Two weeks ago, former Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s rep, Randall Kamea came across the USO Tasi rugby club from the Solomon Islands who had qualified for the McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s Tournament in two weeks time in Lawaqa Park.
Kamea says he had reached out to the team to see if they needed some food, he was shocked when he found them all cramped into a one bedroom flat in Tacirua, so he invited them to come camp at his house in Raiwaqa
As their coach did not show up, Kamea who had been an ardent disciple of the game of rugby for almost two decades which was halted by COVID-19, stepped up, as not only their coach but also as team chef.
Kamea says they are so lucky that they have had food donations from his parents, friends, from Manoa Kamikamica and his wife, and Tomasi Tuitoga, so there has been a lot of kindness.
He says they are looking forward to the Coral Coast 7s Tournament.
Insert: Kamea help Jan 4
Kamea says he reached out to the coach of the Marist 7s, Viliame Turagavou, who used to be the strength and conditioning trainer for the Fiji Sevens team back in the early 2000s when he was playing, and he agreed to come along and help with coaching and also brought in a few of the Marist 7s boys.
He says it is good for both clubs, as both clubs will also be taking part at the 50th anniversary of the Marist 7s in March, so it is good preparation and just a good way for the Solomon boys to experience Fiji.
The former National 7s rep says support has been extremely humbling, as people have given so much food and even money for team bonding exercises.
He says on Wednesday they will be having a shared team lunch at the Marist Rugby Club in between trainings, and then the UsO Tasi team and the Marist team will go to a movie that night just as a little team bonding exercise.
Kamea adds the Bula Spirit is well and truly alive.
