After four months of being away from their families, Team Fiji women’s rugby sevens head coach Saiasi Fuli said, it’s time for them to take a rest.

The women’s team will also undergo a 14-day quarantine when they arrive in the country.

Speaking to SUNsports, the former national rugby halfback indicated that family time is now a priority for them.

On my future as coach, Fuli says, he no immediate plans.

“I have no plans right now,” he said.

“My only plan is to go back home to my family and have a good rest before I decide on what to do next.

“Family is a priority right now after 14 weeks of travelling and in our bubble camp.”

On their way to the Olympic Games, Fuli said they had lost four key players through injuries.

These players were halfbacks, Tokasa Seniyasi and Reijeli Uluinayau along with forward Vani Buleki and Luisa Tisolo.

“I had been preparing myself in case of injuries or loss of form. That is why I took 19 players to the Oceania Sevens in Townsville before I assess the best available to complete the journey to Tokyo,” Fuli said.

He dedicated the bronze medal win to his wife who has been holding their family together while he was away.

“She had been managing our household duties while I pursue this Olympic programme.

What they say

Meanwhile, Great Britain women’s 7s head coach Scott Forrest said he had admired the way the Fijians played in their bronze medal final where they won 27-12.

“They’ve got a good group of athletes, their offloading skills were unbelievable,” Forrest said.

“That’s probably the standout moment of the whole tournament, in terms of how impressive Fiji have been.

“How far they’ve come as a team is just so good to see when you think of how strong their men’s programme has been for years. To see their women’s programme at that level now, it’s brilliant.”

Veteran Australian women’s rugby sevens player Charlotte Caslick said playing Fiji was always tough.

Caslick scored a try in their 14-12 loss to the Fijians in the main quarterfinal.

“It was probably one of the hardest games I’ve ever played and credit to the Fijian girls for coming out there as strong as they did,” Caslick said.

“I guess we shifted that momentum, but we just didn’t have enough time.

“We have some young girls and they’re going to learn from it, they’re going to be a lot better for it.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj