Flying Fijians Set for Takeoff with Tactical Boost Ahead of PNC Opener!
The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are set to kick off their 2025 Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) campaign with a strategic advantage — a first-round bye that grants them two full weeks to prepare before facing Tonga on August 30 at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
Over the weekend, the squad will focus on completing their induction sessions and attending to essential administrative tasks. With the formalities out of the way, Head Coach Mick Byrne and his team will turn their full attention to the training field starting Monday. Byrne is confident that the additional time before their first game will allow for a more thorough and structured lead-up to the tournament.
“Last year, we had a bye in the second round,” Byrne explained. “This time, we’ve got a bye in the first round, which gives us an opportunity to have a good two-week preparation into the tournament. It really sets us up well.”
With this extended window, the Flying Fijians plan to use the initial week to focus heavily on strength, conditioning, and refining their game structure. Byrne highlighted the importance of getting solid groundwork in early before shifting into match-mode.
“We’ll be able to do some good, solid work in that first week of training, and then we go into game week the following week,” he said.
This focused buildup comes at a crucial time for the Fijians, who are eager to set the tone early in the tournament. Facing Tonga at home presents both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase their preparedness in front of their passionate local supporters.
With the PNC shaping up to be a fiercely contested competition, Fiji’s measured and disciplined approach during the lead-up could give them the edge they need to start strong and make a deep run in the tournament.
