The Fijian Drua head into this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition knowing they could imminently lose head coach Mick Byrne if he is chosen to replace Simon Raiwalui at the helm of the Flying Fijians.

The potential loss of Byrne comes as a tropical depression is bringing flooding to parts of the island nation, but Drua chief executive Mark Evans is remaining commendably calm in the face of the possible winds of change.

Evans insists that if Byrne does get chosen to replace Raiwalui, it will not have an immediate impact as the Flying Fijians do not return to international action until later in the year – after the Super Rugby Pacific competition has been completed.

Byrne is understood to be on a two-man shortlist along with interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, with the Fiji Rugby Union expected to announce their chosen man shortly.

It has been a long process but Evans and the Drua franchise have been fully aware of the possible ramifications of Byrne’s departure and plans are in place to minimise any possible disruption.