FORMER Fiji international Filipe Rayasi, like many other Fijians living in New Zealand, is putting his money where his heart is.
Yesterday, Rayasi who now develops coaches with Wellington Rugby said he’s hoping to see Fiji make the cup finals.
“I think for the Fijians living here, not only in Wellington but in NZ always expects Fiji to win no matter who’s playing or who’s coaching. So I’m thinking we’re going to get a good crowd for the Fijians. I’m hoping and wishing they will get through to the cup final,” Rayasi said.
Since his playing days with Fiji Rugby, Rayasi said many changes have occurred and he was happy to see that 7s has become a pathway for rugby players to earn themselves a living.
He said when he played, most players were playing both rugby codes, be it the abbreviated code or the full-code.
“I think Fiji has always had the depth in 7s and before you had players playing 15s that could play 7s but now it’s the natural guys that play 7s all year round, and they get picked up by a professional team which is another way for them to make money.”
Rayasi also believes in coach Ben Ryan to deliver not only for this Wellington 7s tournament which begins today but also for the Olympic Games but he adds that it was important to offer support to the team.
“There’s big chance for us to win gold, and hope the whole of Fiji, the coaching staff and the players if they feel like that they will be there for the taking.
“He’s done everything that’s needed to be done and he probably believes that the best 7s players in the world are in Fiji so he’s got every chance to win that gold and if he has the drive for it and gets support behind him from management and right sponsors and from the whole of Fiji than he should be all right to come back with gold.”
