The Fiji Water Flying Fijians were accorded a traditional welcome ceremony last night at the Tanoa International Hotel after they arrived in Nadi.
Acting Prime Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, the Momo na Tui Nadi, Momo na Tui Nawaka, Board of Trustees of Fiji Rugby Union, Swire Shipping Fijian Drua CEO, Mark Evans and sponsors were also in attendance.
Acting Prime Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says as a government they are very pleased with the Flying Fijians' performance at the RWC.
Ro Filipe says not only will they continue to support the team in the World Cup but as they move forward, they acknowledge all the hard work done by the players, especially their families in supporting and moulding them into the players they are today.
Flying Fijians skipper Waisea Nayacalevu says it's his third RWC and he knows how it is and he tells the boys that opportunity will come 4 years after.
When questioned about those that doubted his leadership, Nayacalevu says he is not really interested in what they think of his leadership as he tries to do his best.
He says he knows he is not perfect but he tries to give his best for the team.
Nayacalevu also spoke on the bias of referees towards Tier 2 Nations saying it is not the first time, everyone trains hard to come and participate in the tournament stressing that the match officials should make fair decisions on every team.
Flying Fijians prop Peni Ravai says he has got 1 more year left for the Queensland Reds next season.
Ravai says it will be interesting playing the Drua next year.
Halfback Simione Kuruvoli says he just wants to thank everybody for supporting them as well as the never-ending prayers from the families.
Team manager Bill Gadolo says on behalf of the coaches, management, captain and the players they are honoured and privileged to be received in such a manner.
Gadolo says they thank the Fiji Government for their continued support.
Great news after the Rugby World Cup as the Fiji Water Flying Fijians are expected to secure test matches against teams like the All Blacks, the Wallabies and the Barbarians.
Talks were ongoing for years for the All Blacks and the Wallabies to come and play Fiji here at home.
During the welcome ceremony for the Flying Fijians last night, FRU Interim Chair Peter Mazey said they have heard from Tier 1 nations who want to take on the Flying Fijians again.
Mazey says they have heard from the All Blacks, the Wallabies, and yesterday an email came from the Barbarians who want to come here.
He says the future looks bright for Fiji rugby.
Fiji Water Flying Fijians kicking coach Seremaia Bai has thanked Coach Simon Raiwalui for giving him a chance as there was so much red tape when he tried to make it to the national level.
He says for some reason some people were blocking him.
Bai says 15 weeks ago he didn't believe he was going to be in this position because he was aiming for the 2027 RWC.
He also says the new players did well as they did not feel out of place but after this RWC it is something they can grow from. The Flying Fijians will disperse after they check out at the Tanoa International Hotel today.
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