The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team has shown impressive progress during their recent participation in the Vancouver 7s, finishing as runners-up after a loss to New Zealand, 41-7, in the Cup final. This marked a significant milestone for the Fijiana, as it was their first time reaching a final in the HSBC SVNS Series, a feat they achieved after initially struggling in earlier stages of the series.
Alana Thomas, the Women’s High-Performance Manager for Fiji Rugby Union, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, highlighting their advancement not only in rankings but also in overall performance on the field. Entering the tournament ranked 11th, the Fijiana improved to 8th place after their silver medal finish, accumulating 26 points. Their journey was commendable, especially considering they faced two losses in the pool stages against Japan and France, yet bounced back strong with a significant victory over Great Britain, which secured their semifinal spot.
Coach Brown noted the team’s growth throughout the tournament, observing that they learned from previous mistakes. Their remarkable journey included notable wins, such as a dominant 46-0 match against Brazil and a 28-7 semifinal triumph over Japan, illustrating their ability to overcome adversity.
Although the final match against New Zealand didn’t go in their favor, reaching the championship match is a testament to their potential. Being ranked among the core eight teams allows the Fijiana to maintain eligibility for the series, which bodes well for their aspirations in upcoming events in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The team has received strong support from their fans, who have followed their progression closely. With their increasing skills and experience, there is a strong belief that the future holds even greater achievements for women’s rugby in Fiji.
The Fijiana’s journey not only highlights their skills and determination but also symbolizes hope and growth for women’s rugby in the region. Their trajectory indicates an exciting future as they strive to strengthen their position in upcoming competitions, fostering optimism for the sport’s development in Fiji.
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