Byrne claims he was removed

Mick Byrne, the former coach of the Flying Fijians, has asserted that he was dismissed by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and did not resign due to health concerns, contrary to the union's initial announcement.

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I didn’t resign, and doesn’t have any ongoing health issues.

Byrne, 67, stated in an interview with Australia's nine.com.au that he wanted to clarify his situation. The FRU had announced on April 1st that they had "mutually agreed to part ways" with the Australian coach, citing health reasons. However, Byrne insists he has no ongoing health issues, supported by a medical report seen by nine.com.au, which noted a "favourable prognosis" and "no medical concerns that would reasonably interfere with his ability to continue performing his current professional duties."

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there are no medical concerns that would reasonably interfere with his ability to continue performing his current professional duties

Despite being under contract until December 2027, Byrne agreed to an undisclosed settlement with the FRU. He expressed disappointment that his departure was framed as a resignation due to health problems. Byrne believes he was removed to allow the Fiji Rugby Union to pursue a new strategic direction. His claims emerge less than a month before Fiji's first Nations Championship match against Wales. The FRU has been contacted for comment regarding Byrne's statements.

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I was just disappointed that it was mentioned that I resigned because of ongoing health issues,” and that’s not the case at all.