The Vodafone Fijian 7s team will be working on a strict diet plan to remain fit during this festive season.

It will be a period of sacrifice as they have their eyes fixed on the 2016 Rio Olympics, said team manager Ropate Kauvesi.

The team returned home yesterday.

“As the country heads into the festive season, players have been reminded to stay away from alcohol and kava,” Kauvesi said.

“The players have a one week break with their families after their gallant performance in Dubai and Cape Town.

“It is festive season, families will be organising welcome back parties, but we have asked the players to control what they eat and drink.”

He said coach Ben Ryan wanted the players to be watchful of their diet and to avoid excessive alcohol, cigarette and kava consumption.

“It is eight months sacrifice of yaqona and alcohol and the onus is on the players now. We appreciate if families also pitch in and support them with their diets.”

Kauvesi said the players would be placed under three high performance units when they return from the Christmas break.

“They will be training in Suva, Sigatoka and Nadi to prepare for the next tournaments and the Rio Olympics.

“The two performances in Dubai and Cape Town has put us on number one spot.

“The players have even broken some records and we look forward to next year,” he said.