From the VFL to Fijian rugby, Mick Byrne rates his latest feat among the most special after the Drua earned a Super Rugby Pacific finals berth and dedicated it to the Australian coach’s late father.
The Drua ran rampant in the second half on Saturday in Suva, scoring 24 unanswered points to beat the Queensland Reds 41-17 and guarantee themselves a place in the quarter-finals.
It was the Fijian side’s sixth win in their second campaign, and their fifth from six on home soil after a debut season that yielded just two wins while based in northern NSW due to COVID-19 restrictions.
They’ll play in a knockout quarter-final after a stirring victory the side dedicated to Byrne and his family.
“Not forgetting our coach, coach Mick; he’s going through a hard obstacle in his life, the passing away of his father,” captain Meli Derenalagi said post-game.
“The game we played today, we dedicate to him, to touch his heart and give him some happiness.”
Byrne, a former Australian rules talent who transitioned into rugby as an in-demand kicking coach for heavyweight Test nations, has lapped up the experience at the helm of Pasifika rugby’s feel-good story.
“When you have a program that’s built around faith and family, you certainly realise what it means to people when something happens to you,” he said.
“My family’s been awesome; Dad was a great mentor and I’m really pleased we were able to put a performance in after the week we had.
“It’s a pretty special moment this one. We’ve come from a long way back. It’s a great night for us.”
Cannonball
Roar Rookie
Being a former AFL player was the gist of Wizz’s comment.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Yes MZ, very happy for Mick, and Fiji to be regularly playing on, and winning on, a big stage. Always thought that the Wallabies did not get all the IP that Byrne had in his box of tricks, when he served under the other Mick.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I have never been impressed with Mick . He was employed as a kicking and catching coach by Henry then for the same and forward pass master by Chekko . He has done a great job with Fiji . Well done and good luck Mick .
Fox
Roar Guru
Now let's not get too carried away KCOL or I will name the kiwi born and bred players playing for the Wallabies and that list seems to be rising every year by god.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
True Fox, where would NZ rugby be without Australians in support?
Fox
Roar Guru
“he has no right coaching a rugby team” ..not true Wizz he was the skills coach for the All Blacks for – wait for it – 11 long bloody years – and won a World Cup with them – so do know what planet you are on Wizz. He has learned from the best and he was one of best skills coaches the AB’s have ever had. I am sure after 11 years with a set up like the AB’s have, he has more than enough knowledge to be Super Coach and so it has proved to be so.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Byrne really ecentuates how coaching is an art form mixed with science because he has no right coaching a rugby team but somehow better than past rugby players who can't seem to explain what they obviously know..some coaches make it fun but never forget the importance of performing and respecting the jersey..Real fine line I guess Bryne did great job.
FrancisF
Roar Pro
Maybe we need to get Mick Byrne to come back to Aussie-land to coach our head-butting Aussie players how to play running rugby again.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
My thoughts are with you, Mick. Losing a parent, even if after a long and happy life, is always so very deeply sad. May your father RIP. Wonderful to see the progress of your Drua this year. It is very special in life to be a part of a team that has this level of success, to give so much joy and happiness to one of the world's small rugby nations.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
This is a great story and it's a fine thing to see the team dedicate their success to their Coach. Also pleasing to see the success of what some would belittle as "kumbaya".
ols
Roar Pro
So sorry to hear about Lionel Byrne. Top bloke. RIP
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Mick the Kick , one of the great stories in world sport. The Drua have done you proud. Could you next turn your talents to QLD.