Celebration plans are in place for the Fiji 7s team, the 2024 Olympic Games silver medallists, upon their return to the country. The team is set to arrive on Sunday, August 4, along with the Fijiana 7s team.
Peter Mazey, interim chair of the Fiji Rugby Union, stated that they will collaborate with the Fiji Government for the celebratory events. “They leave on August 2, and they arrive on Sunday, August 4. We will be working with the government on what’s going to happen. I understand the Minister of Youth and Sports is already on his way back to Fiji to welcome both the men’s and women’s teams,” he said.
While plans are still being finalized, Mazey emphasized that the FRU acknowledges the players’ desire to reunite with their families after an extended period in camp, some for nearly a year. “There will be plans for them, but I’m sure they all want to get home. They need a break, but then of course we get ready for the next round in November,” Mazey added.
Before the Olympics, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced cash incentives for any Team Fiji athlete or team securing a podium finish in France. As a result, the Fiji 7s players, coaches, and management will receive $20,000 for their silver medal finish, as endorsed by the Cabinet.
This silver medal marks Fiji’s second-best Olympic achievement, following previous gold medal wins. Additionally, this is Fiji’s first-ever silver medal in the Olympics. The Fijiana team also brought honor to the nation, having won a bronze medal at the last Olympics in Tokyo.
Both teams will return from Paris on Sunday.