Ex-Fiji coach Mick Byrne joins Radradra's Shizuoka as a spot coach
Former Fiji head coach Mick Byrne has linked up with Japanese side Shizuoka Blues Revs for a short-term role as a guest coach.
The 67-year-old left his position with the Flying Fijians in April after mutually parting ways with Fiji Rugby Union.
Australian veteran Byrne has been brought in by Shizuoka head coach Yuichiro Fujii as a skills coach for their ongoing training camp in Nobeoka, Kyushu.
The 2025 play-off quarter-finalists, who have lost club captain Kwagga Smith to the Bulls, missed out on a top-six spot last season by three points as then-champions Toshiba Brave Lupus edged them to the final post-season berth.
Shizuoka’s talent-laden squad includes ex-NRL star Semi Radradra (below) - who last played for Fiji in their Nations Championship loss to Wales in July - dual-code flyer Valynce Te Whare, former Scarlets lock Max Douglas and Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami.
Former Munakata Sanix Blues coach Fuji’s side have won all three of their pre-season matches so far and are now stepping up their preparations with six weeks until they kick off their season away to last season’s runners-up Kubota Spears on 13 December.
Wallaby Paisami (below) joined his new team last week ahead of returning to Test duty for his country in the Nations Championship next month.
“We aim to further grow our team while incorporating a wealth of experience and insights,” the club said in response to bringing in the former All Blacks and Wallabies assistant on a temporary basis.
Shizuoka hosts League One champions Kobe Steelers in their next pre-season outing on Saturday 14 November. Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for all the build-up to the 2026-2027 League One season
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