Team Fiji Rugby 7s for the first time received the Best Male Team Award at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Awards Night in Doha, Qatar yesterday.

Three days after missing out three awards for which they were shortlisted at the World Rugby Awards on Monday in London, Fiji claimed the top prize after being voted by the 206 ANOC countries.

Osea Kolinisau deservedly received the award after he led Fiji to winning the nation’s first gold medal in Rio in August after beating Great Britain 43-7 in the final.

Former Vodafone Fijian 7s coach Ben Ryan said it was overwhelming winning the award and was proud of what the boys has achieved to be recognised globally.

“It’s awesome we have won the award and hugely humbling,” Ryan said.

“We should all be hugely proud of our sevens team and the global reach this team has achieved.

“One of the best sporting team performances in any sport this year was recognised by the highest sporting organisation on the globe. Praise indeed.”

Rugby sevens was introduced for the first time at Rio Olympic Games and Fiji was quick to take full advantage of the sport’s inclusion.

The ANOC Awards was attended by Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) president Joseph Rodan, vice-president Makarita Lenoa and chief executive Lorraine Mar.

Also congratulating the side on their historic achievement was Jarryd Hayne on his twitter.

“So proud of my brothers from the Fiji 7’s for winning this award. Especially this guy, Captain Osea Kolinisau. Congrats tagane #tosoviti”

Edited by Osea Bola

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