The Flying Fijians are turning their focus to long-term planning as the 2027 Rugby World Cup format introduces a shorter three-match pool stage followed by a Round of 16, increasing the importance of player management and squad depth.
The revised structure means teams that advance will still face four high-pressure matches before reaching the quarterfinals, placing added emphasis on recovery and rotation.
Head coach Mick Byrne says this reality will shape Fiji’s preparation.
“You’ve got to make sure that by the time you get to the quarters, you’ve still played four games,” he said. “It’s difficult to play four test matches in a row, especially at a World Cup where the heat is on.”
Byrne added that Fiji will need a well-balanced and well-managed squad, noting that players will arrive after full club seasons.
“Some may be carrying niggles or heavy minutes, so there’s a wide range of sports science considerations in selecting and managing our World Cup squad.”
Fiji is grouped with Argentina, Spain and Canada in Pool C.
Meanwhile, Byrne has welcomed Fiji’s Rugby World Cup 2027 pool draw, describing it as both exciting and favourable as preparations begin for the expanded 24-team tournament in Australia.
Fiji has been grouped with Argentina, Spain and Canada in Pool C, a mix Byrne believes offers familiarity, opportunity and strong rugby match-ups.
“It’s exciting times, isn’t it? We’ve been waiting for this draw for a while now and all through November there was a lot of talk about the different pools. I thought it was a really well-organised and really well-done situation and I felt, ironically, who we’ve only played for and over 20 years ago. It’s a good pool for us.”
Byrne welcomed the chance to face two opponents Fiji has recent history with.
“We play Spain and Canada. We’ve played Spain twice in the last two years. We’ve played Canada regularly through PNC. We know a little bit about them and how they’re going and the improvement they’ve made over the last 12 months and the continued improvement they’ll make.”
He also highlighted the significance of meeting Argentina, one of the world’s most competitive sides.
“And Argentina is a good team for us. It’s a great opportunity to play against another team who likes to play rugby.
There have been some great games. Argentina have played some great games over the last few years since they joined the Rugby Championship. It’s been great for Argentinian rugby, so I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to play them in the World Cup.”
With the Round of 16 introduced for the first time, Fiji’s pool offers a realistic path to the knockout stages, but Byrne insists the Flying Fijians will respect every opponent as they build toward 2027.
