The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s squad continue to win community support as they prepare for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco next weekend.

The Gareth Baber-coached side already won the hearts of the Pacific Islanders in Salt Lake City, Utah in the past two weeks.

The team had a scrimmaging sessions with various clubs in Salt Lake City.

Over the weekend they played in the Pioneer 7s organised by the Pioneer Rugby 7s foundation, a non-profit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, formed by the Pacific Islanders.

Pioneer Rugby 7s Foundation founder Vea Ofa said it was a privilege for them to host the Fijian team.

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rep Vatemo Ravouvou in action during their scrimmaging sessions at the Pioneer Rugby 7s tournament at Salt Lake City.
Photo: Pioneer Rugby Foundation.

“It was very good to see all the Pacific Island people got behind the Fiji team and supporting them,” he told SUNsports from Utah yesterday.

“It was good to see them here during the Pioneer Rugby 7s tournament.

“They enjoyed the programme and as a Pacific Islander we are proud and excited to support all the Pacific Island teams,” Ofa said.

Kids clinic

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team talks to kids at the Utah Valley University clinic organised by the Pioneer Rugby
Foundation at Salt Lake City. Photo: Pioneer Rugby Foundation.

The Foundation also uses rugby as a vehicle to educate youth with different life skills through free summer clinics sponsored by many local agencies and businesses.

“It was a blessing in disguise for the Foundation having the Fiji team and hosting the students of Utah Valley University to a rugby clinic.

“The kids just love the Fijian players like Leone Nakarawa and Josua Tuisova.

“Most of these children love rugby 7s and watch these Fijian players on TV but meeting them in person was a joy for them,” Ofa said.

The club hosted a dinner for the team last night.

“We hosted them to a dinner and all the Pacific Islanders got together and enjoyed the night with the team.

“Next stop is San Francisco where we will go and support the two Pacific teams Fiji and Samoa.”

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj