The Fiji Men’s Development team narrowly missed clinching victory in the final of the 2024 Oceania 7s tournament held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, losing to Samoa with a final score of 17-12 in extra time. The match was an intense showcase of skill and determination, with Samoa initially taking the lead and heading into halftime with a 5-0 advantage.
In the second half, Samoa increased their lead before Fiji mounted a spirited comeback, ultimately tying the score. Iosefo Namoce’s try brought Fiji even, but a missed conversion attempt by Solomoni Rauqe from a favorable position led to the match continuing into extra time. Unfortunately for Fiji, Samoa seized the momentum and scored the winning try shortly after the restart.
Tonga secured third place in the tournament, emerging victorious against Tuvalu with a close score of 24-19 in their own extra-time battle.
Though Fiji faced disappointment in the final, their strong performance throughout the tournament highlights the growth and potential of rugby in the region. The team can take pride in their resilience and spirit displayed during the competition, setting the stage for future successes. With training and experience, Fiji’s development side will certainly be a force to reckon with in upcoming tournaments.
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