The Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou has called on all Fijians to back the Osea Kolinisau captained Vodafone Fijian 7s team.

Tuitubou made the comment after the rugby fans had a field day on a radio talkback show and social media.

Tuitubou was among fans at Nadi International Airport to greet the Vodafone Fijian 7s team after they took part in the World Sevens Series in Wellington and Sydney.

“To Ben Ryan and the team, win or lose, we still support you, ‘Tuitubou said.

“I heard on the talkback show, Varibamalamala (Viti FM) on the trend which is normal in that when Fiji wins, we celebrate and when they lose there is a lot against Ben Ryan and the players.

“As a proud rugby nation, we should win together and lose together.

“Despite coming third in Wellington and Sydney, we still lead the series. Fans need to appreciate the effort put in by the players and the coaching staff.

“Ben will remain the coach and nothing will change. We can all be critics but we can’t all be coach, it’s a tough job.

“I know they can deliver in the remaining six tournaments with the ultimate target being the Rio Olympics in August.”

Vodafone Sponsorship manager Adriu Vakarau handed a cheque worth $20,000 as a bonus payment for the team.

“I wish to sing the same song the whole country is singing that “we are with you, no matter win or lose”. You all have done Fiji proud,” Vakarau said.

As a sponsor, we’re equally proud of your performance and as per agreement, the team gets to share from $20,000 cash bonus for reachiing the semi-final place at Wellington and Sydney tournaments.

“We understand that it is long and testing series, but this is only the beginning. We are confident that the team will regroup, rebuild and deliver more memorable performances in the USA Sevens in Las Vegas and Vancouver 7s. next month.  Let’s keep the eye on the gold as we get closer to Rio.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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