Fiji Water Flying Fijian Head Coach Mick Byrne says this year’s Pacific Nations Cup will be a tough one given the improved performance of the Moana Pasifika during Shop & Save Super Rugby Pacific.
Bryne says it will be good for the overall competition as the quality of rugby from Moana has really improved given the quality of coaches and players in their team.
He says Fiji will head into this competition as defending champions and the players selected know too well the importance of this tournament as the winner gets automatic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Bryne says he is looking forward to starting the campaign with a bye-week because the players get to arrive and spend more time gelling in together.
He says the competition venues will provide more excitement to players, especially their games in the United States of America as most players have never played in those venues in the US.
The coach says he is working with a group of 60 players and is sorting out their visas.
He says he will name the squad soon.
Fiji plays Tonga on the 30th of August at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
