Our national airline, Fiji Airways, has partnered with HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens to ensure Fijian supporters easy access to Singapore to support their beloved team.

The Vodafone Fijian 7s team is the current leaders of the ongoing HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. At the official signing ceremony yesterday, it was announced that Fiji Airways will be the Official Airline of the HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens for a period of three years.

Scores of fans have already booked their direct flights to Singapore in April with many more eager to come support their team.

At the official announcement event, Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, remarked: “This sponsorship is only the beginning of what we envision will be a long and fruitful partnership between our two countries.

“Rugby is one avenue where Fiji Airways can increase awareness of its direct flights, and all the trade and investment opportunities now possible between Fiji and Singapore. Our country punches well above its weight internationally, just like Singapore does. With direct flights, we have a very strong link in place, from which our businesses and economies can mutually benefit. This is a fantastic way to use Fiji’s love of rugby and demonstrate our ability to trade with the best in the world.”

Low Teo Ping, Chairman of Rugby Singapore Pte Ltd said: “Starting from early April, Fiji rugby fans can now fly direct from Nadi International Airport to Singapore and this is definitely a boost for our sports tourism.

“Fiji is the defending World Sevens Series champions and they are also the defending champions of the Singapore Sevens when it was last held in 2006. I’m sure Fiji supporters will fly out in full force to support their national 7s team.”

Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer, Andre Viljoen commented: “As the world’s most passionate airline when it comes to Sevens Rugby, Fiji Airways is delighted to be the Official Airline of the Singapore Sevens. We are already proud sponsors of our home team and the defending series champions – Fiji.

“Come April 2016, we’ll be flying direct to Singapore and we look forward to bringing our fellow Fijians here to experience not just top class Sevens, but also some of the world’s best shopping, dining and entertainment. There’s really no better way to say ‘Bula Singapore’ than through Rugby Sevens. While we’ll be busy cheering for Fiji, we wish the rest of the 15 teams well.”

The HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens on April 16 and 17 is the eighth of 10-legs on the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series which features the world’s top 16 rugby nations. Singapore is the only Southeast Asian country to host a stop on this global rugby circuit. The sponsorship deal was brokered by Rugby Singapore’s commercial arm and local sports marketing firm, Enterprise Sports Group (ESG). This is a landmark sponsorship for Rugby Singapore, who is expected to announce more partnerships in the build-up to the HSBC Singapore Sevens.

“Organisers are planning to create a carnival-like atmosphere in and outside the stadium during the World Rugby Sevens in Singapore,” said ESG CEO Terence Khoo.

“With the colourful Fijian fans flying to Singapore, expect plenty of dancing and singing in the spectator stands. As a sponsor, Fiji Airways will also add to the excitement of the fanzone with activities unique to South Pacific culture and hospitality.”

Rugby Singapore’s general manager Samuel Chan said: “Fiji is set to win hearts on and off the field. We know Fiji is keen to defend their title in Singapore and to do well in the World Sevens Series, which is a big stepping stone to the Rio Olympics. Their team will also stay on in Singapore for a few days after the tournament to assist in coaching clinics and to help promote grassroots rugby.”

Overseas fans visiting Singapore can expect to rock, ruck and rumble in the two-day rugby carnival. Besides rocking to world-class DJ and musical acts integrated with the rucks, tackles and spectacular tries inside the world’s biggest dome structure, spectators can enjoy fun-filled activities and great food and beverage options for the whole family around the Sports Hub.

The Fijians are the two-time defending champions of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and are one of the gold medal favourites for this year’s Rio Olympics where Sevens rugby debut as a medal sport.