As we get ready for the historic Super Rugby clash between the Gallagher Chiefs and the BNZ Crusaders, Chiefs captain Sam Cane said they have never regretted their decision to come to Fiji.
The 24-year-old All Black loose forward touched down in Fiji for the first time with his team and was overwhelmed by the reception they received at Nausori Airport.
Cane added that Fiji born center and All Black Setareki Tamanivalu was excited as they were flying in yesterday.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said they have a long history with Fijians.
Rennie is expecting a forwards battle with the Crusaders on Friday night.
Some of the All Blacks stars in the Chiefs squad that arrived in the country are Hika Elliot, Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald, Setareki Tamanivalu and nippy fullback Damian McKenzie.
A full traditional welcome ceremony was held for the team at Nausori Airport.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie received a bowl of kava on behalf of the Chiefs and said that Fiji kava is different compared to the one Asaeli Tikoirotuma used to mix for them in Hamilton.
Lelean students also lined up from Nausori Airport to the main road with Chiefs flags to welcome the Chiefs.
Tourism Minister Faiyaz Koya welcomed the Chiefs and said that he is hoping for a good result for the Chiefs as they play at home.
More than 100 people were at the airport trying to catch a glimpse of the NZ rugby stars.
The Chiefs vs Crusaders match is being funded through government funding of $2.3 million, which will cater for team costs and accommodation and local travel costs.
Fortress Information System is sponsoring $1 million as corporate sponsorship of the event.
Fiji Airways is engaged by Sanzar as the international airline to provide flights for the Crusaders and Chiefs to Suva for the match.
Sky TV coverage of the game will reach out to 154 countries with over 200 million households.
Meanwhile the Crusaders will arrive at 10 this morning.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
