as always ecstatic about this sport during my childhood.
Soccer would bring people from all facets of life together during tournaments and it used to be a great time.
As times went by, another sport took the enthusiasm of all Fijians a notch higher. The sport showered Fiji with a lot of admiration for its players and who can forget the greatest rugby player of all time — Serevi.
From local rugby playoffs to the international tournaments, we have proven that Fiji is home of rugby and that rugby comes naturally to us Fijians.
Waisale Serevi was and perhaps is the only player from Fiji to have been awarded a Hall of Fame for his contribution to rugby.
Back home, every child in the village would imitate his style. I vividly remember watching him play on TV and the cheer of his countless fans would echo around the village.
This craze or Serevi mania gave rise to a lot of budding stars in our country.
Local rugby playoffs used to be highly looked up to as players used to follow Serevi’s tactics on the field and the best players were nicknamed as Junior Serevis.
He gave us the much-needed boost and patriotism and showed the rest of the rugby giants that Fiji can also produce the biggest stars of rugby and he was such an example.
The rugby fans in Fiji and the world over would be poised into watching him play. From infants to the seniors, everybody would look out for the likes of Serevi, Tomasi Cama and Delasau among others.
I for one loved watching the welcome ceremonies where women would flood the airport terminals and these heroes would be showered with numerous praises, welcoming songs and flying kisses.
Serevi is the sole reason for the boost in our rugby standings and he continues to inspire many locals and foreigners who want to create a name for themselves in rugby.
Fijians have carved a name for themselves in the rugby worldwide.
Travelling around Fiji is usually pleasing because of its picturesque scenes and one is bound to fall in love with her beaches.
Having to travel around Viti Levu, I’m always amazed by the magnitude of scenes one gets to witness.
From those lovely bula smiles of the ladies and children selling fish and farm produce by the roadside to the setting sun over the ocean horizon, Fiji never ceases to surprise me.
What is more eye-catching is the game of rugby in the afternoon. Nearly all playing fields by the roadside and school grounds are filled with people showing their love for this unique sport.
The joie de vivre in people regarding rugby has gone to the extent that in the absence of a rugby ball, we are happy to use either coconut or even juice bottles to keep the game going.
I vividly remember my frequent trips around the islands and stopping by to get a glimpse of the sport. After a hard day at work, people rush home before nightfall, crunch in quickly and off to the grounds. Such passion and enthusiasm only goes on to speak volumes of our spirit in rugby.
What stands out to be of major attraction during Fiji’s games on the international arena is its minuet crowd cheering with all their zeal and patriotism.
While fans of other teams tattoo themselves and wear bizarre costumes, we like to keep it simple. With just our noble blue flag and the famous bula outfits, we cheer to our hearts content.
We fans at home and abroad, love cheering for the Flying Fijians. Gone are the times when we were confined to being minorities in foreign countries. Now we have Fijian connections in every corner of the world and we are bound to give our rivals a run for their money. Whether Fiji loses or wins, we are happy supporting our gallant heroes for putting Fiji on the map.
Even during local playoffs, the victory depends on the spectators. Cheering, dancing and merrymaking after the match gives the much-needed energy and motivation for players on the field.
Fans from all walks of life are present to witness the match and whether the team wins or loses, the support is always there. What excites the rugby fans is the cibi before Test matches.
International fans are always engrossed when it comes to cibi and would even mouth the lines with much joy and joie-de-vivre. Cibi came into prominence on the rugby field in 1939 when it was first performed by the Fiji rugby union team in their first tour of New Zealand.
All in all, Fiji is not only the island of the rising sun or the island of the sun, sand and sea; it is rugby that is imbued in the hearts and minds of the everyday Fijians be it Fiji or the world over.
