Preparations are underway to celebrate the Fiji 7s team’s silver medal win at the 2024 Olympic Games when they return to the country. The team is expected to arrive on Sunday, August 4, alongside the Fijiana 7s team.
Fiji Rugby Union interim chair Peter Mazey mentioned that they are collaborating with the Fiji Government, though he did not provide many details. He confirmed the teams will leave on August 2 and arrive on August 4. He also noted that the Minister of Youth and Sports is returning to Fiji to welcome both the men’s and women’s teams.
While celebration plans are being finalized, the FRU is aware that players will want to spend time with their families. Mazey mentioned that after having been in camp for a long time, some for the whole year, players are eager to return home. However, the team will also prepare for the next round set for November.
Before the Olympics, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that all Team Fiji athletes and teams securing a podium finish in France will receive cash rewards. Consequently, the Fiji 7s players, coaches, and management will receive $20,000 for their silver medal win, as endorsed by the Cabinet. This is Fiji’s second-best performance at the Olympics, having previously won two gold medals. It is also their first-ever silver medal at the Games.
In addition to the men’s 7s team, the Fijiana team is the only other team from Fiji to have won an Olympic medal, securing bronze in Tokyo. Both teams will return from Paris on Sunday.