“He is my youngest son and his humility has taken him this far.”
Those were the words of an emotional Makelesi Dugu, the mother of Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s captain Waisea Nacuqu after watching her son lead the national side to win Fiji’s third World Cup after 17 years.
Speaking from Votua village in Ba this morning, Dugu says it was a special moment for them as they cheered and danced in village after the final whistle.
The mother of three remembers the struggles and humble upbringing that Nacuqu went through and believes this was the motivating factor for her youngest son.
Dugu says her husband did the best he could to provide for her and her kids including Nacuqu and the other two older siblings.
She adds that Nacuqu and his brother always accompanied their father to fishing, sugar-cane harvesting and farming.
She believes these memories play a special part in her children’s lives especially when they look for something to motivate them.
Nacuqu hails from Malakati Village, Yasawa and was raised in Votua Village, Ba where he also played soccer, represented Tavua in the Battle of the Giants as a striker and played with his cousins, Pio Tuwai, Josua Tuisova and Filipo Nakosi in the Ba FSC 7s team.
He went to Votua Catholic School and Khalsa Primary School before finishing his secondary education at Ratu Navula College. The Fiji 7s and Fijiana 7s teams will be arriving on Wednesday evening at Nadi Airport.
Fiji Men’s 7s player and the Greatest Player of the 7s World Cup Final, Filipe Sauturaga, has dedicated Fiji’s win in the Rugby 7s World Cup this morning to everyone in Fiji.
Fiji defeated New Zealand 29-12 in the final.
Sauturaga says they are thankful for all the prayers and the support that enabled them to achieve a milestone.
He says it's been 17 years since they have lifted the prestigious trophy again and its a miraculous win for them.
Victorious Fiji Men’s 7s coach Ben Gollings has praised the defensive effort of the team at the World Cup.
Fiji outclassed New Zealand 29-12 to win our third Melrose Cup title.
While speaking after the final, Gollings says the team set a goal and they have finished the job.
Gollings says this win is huge for Fiji.
Dual Olympic Gold Medallist and now World Cup winner Jerry Tuwai says he is proud of the players after winning the 7s World Cup.
While speaking after the final, the greatest 7s player in the world says they have so much respect for New Zealand despite having a 19 point lead at half time.
Tuwai also thanked the fans for their continuous support.
Tuwai is now the only 7s player in the world who has two Olympic Gold medals, a 7s World Cup title and multiple 7s series titles.
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has congratulated our sevens heroes on another incredible win and said vinaka for the best possible start to the week –– your record as champions is an inspiration to every Fijian.
Bainimarama also tweeted that he caught the Melrose Cup final while on the water en route to Vanua Levu.
Legend FM News understands that celebration plans are already underway to welcome home the victorious men’s 7s side.
The team arrives in Nadi on Wednesday night.
Stay with us for developments.
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