Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s coach Richard Walker is emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the team’s spiritual roots through “team lotu,” which he believes is instrumental in enhancing performance and fostering unity within the squad.
Walker has noted that the Fijiana team has demonstrated its potential to compete effectively against the best teams in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, particularly when they execute their trademark attacking style. He pointed out the team’s notable strengths in their offloading game, communication, and support play, which enable the players to swiftly transition from defense to attack.
Training sessions have been tailored to produce quick attacking opportunities, where players focus on seizing possession from kick-offs and scoring almost immediately. “When we get on a roll with our offload game, our support and communication, we can compete with the top teams in the World Series,” Walker stated.
Consistency is another crucial area the team is striving to improve. The revival of team lotu, which includes church and prayer sessions, has been pivotal in this endeavor. Players have actively engaged in these sessions, selecting Bible verses that resonate with them and connecting those messages to their performances on the field.
“We’ve put a lot of that back into our lotu and are trying to bring our lotu out onto the field — what it means to go to lotu and what we talk about in our prayers and how that connects to what we’re doing in training,” Walker explained, highlighting the initiative’s importance in their overall preparations.
The team is currently gearing up for their next challenge, with the Fijiana scheduled to face Australia at 9:31 AM, while the Fiji men’s 7s side will take on France earlier at 7:19 AM. Fans can catch the live action on FBC TV, as both teams look to showcase their skills and resilience in upcoming matches. The integration of spiritual practices into their training regime could very well bolster their confidence, creating a positive atmosphere as they strive to leave their mark on the tournament.
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