The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team has sent a heartfelt message to the people of Samoa, with the country battling a measles epidemic that has caused 70 deaths so far.

In a video posted to the Pacific Rugby Welfare Twitter account, playmaker Seremaia Tuwai leads the team in delivering the message.

“Bula Samoa. On behalf of the Fiji 7s team, we want to wish you all the best,” Tuwai says.

“We pray for you and we are thinking about you as you face hardships right now. We pray that you will overcome all those hardships and rise again.”

The virus has affected the Samoan 7s team, which finished in fourth place at the Dubai 7s at the weekend.

Senior player, Laaloi Leilua, was forced to return home on the cusp of the tournament after his one-month old daughter contracted measles.

The Samoans wore black armbands in all their matches as a show of support to the victims.

Both teams will feature at this weekend’s Cape Town 7s.

The Fijians will look to bounce back after a poor start in Dubai, where the side failed to progress from the group stages for the first time in 21 years.

Thanks you Jerry Tuwai & the Flying Fijians @fijirugby for this special message for the people of Samoa 🇫🇯🇼🇸💪🏾 #HelpSamoa #SamoaMeasles

DONATE HERE: https://t.co/sbnlIzTQIq pic.twitter.com/9z8Yr5qolH

— PacificRugbyWelfare (@pacificwelfare) December 7, 2019

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj