We need to build stronger relationships with rugby clubs in the Northern Hemisphere - Byrne

We need to build relationships with the rugby clubs in the Northern Hemisphere to avoid future cases of players not being released by their respective clubs to represent their country against a prestigious club like the Barbarians.

This was highlighted by Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne regarding the situation last week where the Fijian players playing in the Northern Hemisphere were not released to play for Fiji against the Barbarians apart from Vilimoni Botitu, but the Barbarians managed to get players from the same clubs to play for them against Fiji instead.

Byrne says they are yet to get to the bottom of that unfortunate incident as he is still not yet 100 percent convinced with the answers he has been getting.

He says he spoke to Barbarians coach Robbie Deans about how he managed to get those players into his squad for that match and Deans mentioned that it was out of his hands and he did not know how those players were released from their clubs.

Byrne says it is fair though as it was not up to Deans on who is invited to play for the Barbarians but it is still an issue as players need to be released for international duties.

Insert: Byrnes on release of players 25th June 24 MR

The Flying Fijians will now turn their focus to their next game against Georgia next Saturday in Georgia before playing the All Blacks on Saturday, 20th July in San Diego, USA.