The Fiji Rugby Union has congratulated its sevens programmes after the conclusion of the 2025/2026 World SVNS Series in New York, with both the men’s and women’s sides delivering results the union says underline steady progress.
The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team finished second overall after a tightly contested final against South Africa in New York, falling 7–10 in the winner-take-all match. FRU board chairman John Sanday described the result as evidence of growth across the squad and praised the players for pushing the tournament to the wire. “I am proud. FRU, its board, the management and I are proud of the team and how they’ve grown. It’s a good sign,” Sanday said, reflecting on the narrow loss.
Sanday said the margin underscored how close Fiji came to claiming the title. “We could have won. Just one pass away from the win. There are a few things to be fixed but that’s normal,” he added, signalling confidence that the small tactical or executional adjustments needed can be addressed within the union’s development framework.
The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s also produced a strong showing in New York, reaching the semi-finals and securing a top-four finish. Sanday acknowledged the women’s side alongside the men, saying their run to the semis had “done everyone proud” and highlighting the importance of supporting both programmes equally as part of a long-term plan.
As part of that long-term approach, Sanday singled out national coach Osea Kolinisau, saying the union had observed tangible growth in his work with the teams. “It’s part of a growth plan. We are seeing the growth of Osea as a national coach. Seeing him growing and getting the team to grow. And results are being seen as well,” Sanday said, while confirming the FRU will continue to back its coaches and players and provide the resources required.
The New York results follow squad decisions earlier in the season that sought to balance experience and recovery, with players such as Vuiviwa Naduvalo — who returned from a concussion and was named in recent squads — having been part of preparations for the Vancouver and New York legs. Sanday’s comments frame the New York outcomes as validation of those selections and the broader strategy to develop depth and resilience across both the men’s and women’s programmes.
Sanday also wished both teams a safe return home from the United States as they regroup for the next phase of the international calendar. The union’s endorsement and promise of sustained support mark the latest development in Fiji’s sevens campaign and set expectations that the FRU will push for small improvements to turn narrow defeats into titles in future SVNS events.
Leave a comment