The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team has achieved a significant milestone by finishing as runners-up in the HSBC Vancouver 7s, despite a challenging start to the season. They faced New Zealand in the Cup final and were defeated 41-7, but the journey to the final marks a pivotal moment for the team, as it is their first final appearance in the HSBC Sevens World Series in three years.
Alana Thomas, the High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby at Fiji Rugby Union, commended the resilience and growth of the team, especially given that a majority of the squad were newcomers to the series. She noted, “In three months and four tournaments, they’ve been able to reach a final for the first time in about three or four years,” emphasizing the remarkable development of both emerging and experienced players. At the season’s outset, only three players had participated in the HSBC series, with 22 fresh faces joining the ranks this year.
The Fijiana showed great tenacity by bouncing back from earlier challenges in the series, particularly during difficult tournaments held in Dubai and Cape Town. Their turnaround was impressive as they delivered strong performances in Perth, which set the stage for their success in Vancouver, highlighted by noteworthy victories against Brazil and Japan en route to the finals.
Despite the setback against New Zealand, Thomas remained optimistic, stating, “The growth, development, and depth are there. We just need to expose these players to more opportunities and invest more time and support around them to allow them to perform on the world stage.” This sentiment reflects the palpable optimism surrounding the team’s future, with ambitions extending to upcoming tournaments and potential Olympic qualification.
The Fijiana’s commendable performance at the Vancouver 7s, coupled with their determination to learn and improve, points to a promising future for women’s rugby in Fiji. Their journey is a testament to resilience and hope, laying a solid foundation for continued growth and success in the sport. Exciting times lie ahead for the Fijiana, as they work towards achieving greater heights on the international stage.
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