Japan Next Stop For Our 7s Heroes
Japan is the next stop for the Fiji Airways Fijian men’s sevens team as they shift their focus to the Hong Kong Sevens tournament, which is on November 4-6.
The team meant business, as they headed back to their camp in Sigatoka, after the celebration on Friday.
The Ben Gollings coached-side is playing in next weekend’s Japan Invitational Sevens tournament.
This was confirmed to SUNsports by Fiji Rugby Union operations Sale Sorovaki.
“The team has returned to the West, where they’ll have to a few days of rest,” he said.
“They will be flying out to Japan next Monday to play in an invitational 7s tournament.
“There is no rest for a team like the Fiji 7s team, they have a reputation that needs to be kept.
“The players are serious about their preparations for the next tournament in Hong Kong.
“That is a good sign and it shows that they mean business ahead of the tournament in Hong Kong.
“This tournament in Japan came at the right time, this will give coach, Ben Gollings, the opportunity to take a look at some players.
“Game time and momentum with consistency is very important especially when we just scooped the World Cup.
Sorovaki added the celebration was a success given they had less time to prepare.
“I’m pleased that the celebration went according to plan,” he said.
“It’s good to see that the fans came out in numbers to show their support.
“I thank FRU and other stakeholders for making it happen.”
Land lots for each player
The Fijian 7s players were not only 10k richer but were shocked to receive developed land lots in Lokia, Nausori.
The 12 land lots were valued at $2.1million and it came from the China Village Estate Development Fiji.
Speaking to SUNsports company director To Wui Jacky Fung said they are happy to be assisting the players.
“This was a surprise gift that we thought of giving the players after their World Cup win,” he said.
“We’re giving the players a block each, which is 12 blocks, one for every player. A lot cost around $160,000 so these boys are fortunate to have such assistance for their future.
“We’ve seen the hard work our boys put in the past but it comes to nothing. What we are trying to do is give something to lean on after rugby and we hope this will help.
“We know most of these are unemployed and we know that this will better lives.
“This will be huge for them especially to look after their families. They have really worked hard for this and they really deserve to receive such a surprise.”
Fung said a property as such would mark a major achievement in their lives.
“This is just the beginning for us because we want to invest more on our athletes. We support all sports especially the lives of the athletes after sport is also very important.”
Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com
