EDITORIAL: Tis' the 7s season to be rugby jolly

As December starts, Fiji is jubilant, ignited by the remarkable win of our men’s 7s team at the Dubai 7s tournament on the weekend.

After 22 long tournaments without a win, Fiji triumphed with a resounding 19-5 victory over Spain. It reignited Fiji’s passion for rugby and restoring hope in our sporting prowess.

Under coach Osea Kolinisau, who took the helm six months ago from Ben Gollings, the team displayed a scintillating blend of hard work, unity, and the inimitable Fijian flair that has long been the hallmark of our rugby heritage.

This Dubai 7s victory is not just a sporting achievement. It is a unifying moment for our nation. From the bustling streets to the chambers of Parliament yesterday, the thrill of this win reverberates through every corner of Fiji.

It is a reminder of the power of Fijian rugby to bring joy and pride, infusing a sense of community and identity that overcomes daily struggles. This win is indeed a timely Christmas gift, a beacon of hope as we head into the festive season.

Kolinisau’s leadership sends a powerful and timely reminder to our leaders and rugby administrators that Fijians can lead Fijian teams to glory.

The success of the Fiji team under a local coach challenges the status quo, which has often depended heavily on expatriate coaches and leadership. It is a timely call for Government to recognise the wealth of talent and expertise that exist within our nation.

The ‘Fijian Made’ campaign, which Government has been staunchly advocating, finds its most com-pelling testament in this victory. If rugby power-houses like New Zealand, England, and South Africa can achieve success with their own former players, why not Fiji?

Rugby sevens is more than a sport, it is a pathway to success for many Fijian players, opening doors to lucrative careers and contributing significantly to our economy. The legacy of our rugby greats—those who shaped the game into what it is today—reminds us of the potential that lies within our own ranks.

Players-turned 7s coaches such as Waisale Serevi, the late Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese, Rupeni Ravonu, Alivereti Dere, Tomasi Cama, Viliame Satala, the late Senivalati Laulau, and Aliposo Waqaliti, have shown us that no one understands a Fijian player better than another Fijian. Lest they be forgotten.

Reflecting on the journey, we remember the words of Pio ‘Off-load’ King Tuwai as he calmly watched the team from New Zealand, urging patience and faith saying “have faith … sekodi, sekodi boto o Viti (Just give Fiji seconds) …have faith koto (always have faith).

His belief in the team was vindicated as they conquered formidable opponents, reminding us that resilience and faith are crucial to our sporting identity.

With this victory at the Dubai 7s, the future of Fiji Rugby 7s shines brightly.

It marks a significant mile-stone as we embark on the 2024/25 HSBC SVNS Se-ries, rekindling hopes of reclaiming our throne as the kings of 7s rugby.

It has been nine long years since our last Dubai triumph in 2015, and this win signifies that we have rediscovered the missing link in our quest for greatness.

As we glow and celebrate the victory, let us salute, not only the achievement, but also the spirit of our rugby-crazy nation.

Tis’ truly is the season to be jolly, and this victory is a reminder that with hard work, unity, and a little faith, Fiji Rugby is back on track.

Let us rally behind our team as they prepare for their next challenge in Cape Town, and may this be just the beginning of a glorious chapter in our rugby history.

Feedback: maikeli.vesikula@fijisun.com.fj