Fans have come out in numbers with Fiji flags to welcome home the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team after they won the Rugby World Cup 7s earlier this week.
Thousands of fans lined up the streets of Suva from the Suva Flea Market to catch a glimpse of the 7s players and management who are travelling on a truck.
Speaking from the truck, Fiji coach, Ben Gollings says he has never experienced an event like this and it is quite special to witness the support of the Fijian fans.
All members of the Fiji Airways National Men’s 7s team and management that won the Rugby World Cup 7s, have received $10,000 each.
While speaking after the traditional ceremony at the HFC Bank Stadium, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said they receive this cash prize from the nation for their great achievement.
He says today we celebrate not one but two victories as it was only a year ago that the Fiji 7s team came home great with the gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics and since that unforgettable win, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have lifted and recovery is underway.
Katonivere says for almost two decades the country has waited for the Melrose Cup to come home and the wait is over as they celebrate the victory these champions delivered for Fiji.
He says the team's determination, perseverance and sacrifice have written all of them into World Rugby history.
Katonivere acknowledged Jerry Tuwai for his impressive career.
He says with only one jewel missing in Tuwai’s crown of achievements which was the Melrose Cup he has achieved this side by side with his teammates.
He thanked Tuwai for his tenacity and humility and adds he is a role model to his fellow players and to the thousands of children across the islands who love the rugby game.
President Katonivere also commends Coach Ben Gollings and captain Waisea Nucuqu as well as the team officials for their commitment and faith in the team which led to this momentous moment.
He says the team has made a powerful statement to the world that Fiji is back and is better than ever and Fijians at home are sending the same message every day through the pace of our economic recovery.
He adds Fiji is a far safer country for having travelled through the pandemic together and as they continue the recovery, the win has lifted spirits and strengthened the country’s resolve to achieve a record-breaking year of economic growth.
Katonivere also congratulated the Fiji 7s Fijiana teams for their bronze medal victory at the Olympics and their fifth-place finish in the World Cup.
He says their stellar play has made the team's story exciting to follow in the world of sports and their best is yet to come.
The most decorated 7s player in the world after winning two Olympic gold medals and now the Rugby World Cup 7s, Jerry Tuwai says the feeling is just unreal to see fans appreciating the Melrose Cup 7s win.
Tuwai says they know fans were hungry for the World Cup 7s win as we had not won the Melrose Cup for 17 years.
Meanwhile Fiji Rugby Union’s Manager Operations, Sale Sorovaki says this is a memorable achievement by the team, and it is great to see people come out in numbers to congratulate the players.
Former hard-hitting 7s and 2005 Melrose Cup winner who is now the Assistant Coach of the Fiji Airways National Men’s 7s team, Viliame Satala says all the memories are coming back from 2005 as thousands of fans lined up the streets to welcome home the team with the Melrose Cup after 17 years.
Satala says he is proud of the current players for their dedication and discipline.
Savenaca Tamaibeka came all the way from Vunidawamoli, Wailevu West in Savusavu just to be part of the Rugby World Cup 7s celebrations and to watch the Fijiana 15s side play the NZ Wahine at the HFC Bank Stadium today.
Speaking to Legend FM News at the Suva Flea Market, Tamaibeka says he had not slept as he travelled from Vanua Levu yesterday and arrived this morning.
He says he wants to thank the players for bringing home the Melrose Cup after 17 years and bringing a lot of joy for all Fijians.
Come out in numbers in your Fiji colours and Fiji flags today to congratulate the victorious Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team after they won the Rugby World Cup 7s in Cape Town earlier this week.
The Fijian 7s Coaches, Management, and players will be greeted and traditionally welcomed with the Melrose Cup by President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere this hour. You can also go to the stadium to be part of the celebrations.
After the celebrations at the stadium, the curtain raiser match between the Army and the Police Women's teams kicks off at 3.30pm before the Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s team takes on the NZ Wahine at 6pm.
Admission is free for the games.
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