The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team has made remarkable strides in the HSBC Vancouver 7s, finishing as runners-up after facing New Zealand in the Cup final, ultimately losing 41-7. This performance marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the team reached a final in the HSBC SVNS Series after a challenging start to the season.
Alana Thomas, the High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby at Fiji Rugby Union, praised the team’s resilience and growth, especially considering that many members of the squad were new to the series. “In three months and four tournaments, they’ve been able to reach a final for the first time in about three or four years,” Thomas stated, highlighting the impressive development of both new and seasoned players. At the start of the season, only three players had experience in the HSBC series, with 22 new players joining the program this year.
The Fijiana team demonstrated their tenacity by overcoming earlier setbacks in the series, including difficult tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town. Their ability to regroup was evident as they showcased strong performances in Perth, which paved the way for their success in Vancouver, where they achieved impressive victories against Brazil and Japan to reach the final.
Despite the loss to New Zealand, Thomas reflected on the team’s journey, saying, “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.” The optimism surrounding the team’s potential is palpable, with aspirations for future successes and Olympic qualification.
Overall, the Fijiana’s impressive showing at the Vancouver 7s and their determination to learn and improve highlight the bright future ahead for women’s rugby in Fiji, inspiring hope for continued growth and performance in the upcoming tournaments. Their journey embodies the spirit of resilience and optimism, fostering a strong foundation for future achievements in the sport.
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