16 January, 2026, 4:10 am Central - 23°C Clouds

Top 8 or the finals - Byrne

Top 8 or the finals - Byrne

By Alipate Narawa
20/01/2023
[Photo: Fijian Drua]

We are focusing on ourselves and do not want to get too caught up.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach, Mick Byrne highlighted this in a press conference today and says they are ready to test their systems and processes they put in place next week.

Byrne says they have been ready for a few weeks now, they added contact in their training a few weeks ago, but had to shut it down quickly.

Byrne says Ratu Meli Derenalagi is a good young leader, he has got the respect of the players, has the professional attitude and he is really happy with him leading the Drua.

The Drua coach says they have a couple of new players joining the side and he was really impressed with Iosefo Masi, who has slotted into the team really well.

Another player to look out for is utility back Kemu Valetini, older brother of Wallaby Rob Valetini, who is on a short term contract with the team.

With the Rugby World Cup 2023 just a few months away, Byrne says he has not spoken with Flying Fijians coach Vern Cotter but he is sure that may happen later on into the season. The Fijian Drua will face Melbourne Rebels in their first pre-season match next Saturday at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.


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