Former All Blacks coach denies health issues behind exit from top Fiji job
Former Fiji head coach Mick Byrne has reassured friends and family about his health after the Fijian Rugby Union president claimed it was a factor in him leaving the team.
Byrne, who was part of the All Blacks coaching staff for their 2011 and 2015 World Cup triumphs, left his post with Fiji at the start of April when the Fijian Rugby Union (FRU) announced they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with him.
The Australian’s departure took some by surprise after he led the island nation to a 67% win rate alongside strong performances against Australia, France and England.
FRU chairman John Sanday has since told local media that Byrne’s health was a factor in the decision to have him leave.
Speaking in a local dialect, Sanday said he wished Byrne well on his “ongoing health battles”.
Byrne has refuted that claim, despite managing prostate cancer for nearly a decade, including over the past year.
Mick Byrne (left) won two Rugby World Cups as part of the All Blacks coaching staff. Photo / Photosport
Speaking to Nine, the Australian said he did not resign and he did not have any ongoing health issues.
“The chairman coming out, he was respectful in what he said but he was just incorrect,” Byrne said.
“I don’t have any ongoing health battles, and they knew that.
“It’s challenged me around future earnings.
“I don’t want to harp on it too much because it just fuels a bit of that fire, and I want to continue working.”
Nine also reported Byrne’s medical report stated he had no medical concerns which would interfere with his work.
“I was just disappointed that it was mentioned that I resigned because of ongoing health issues,” Byrne said.
“That’s not the case at all.
“I was removed from my role so that Fiji Rugby could move in a new direction.”
Byrne was contracted to December 2027, but agreed an undisclosed settlement with the FRU to leave, with Senirusi Seruvakula named interim head coach.
The 67-year-old was the All Blacks skills coach from 2005 to 2015 before he left to take on a similar role at the Wallabies.
Byrne was an Aussie rules player who won an AFL premiership with Hawthorn, later transitioning into rugby coaching.
He has also spent time with the Blues and was head coach of Fijian Drua in Super Rugby.
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