The year gone by, 2021, would be in the annals of sporting history, especially for Fiji. While 2020 started with the COVID-19 pandemic, it ended on a good note for Fijians when rugby 7s superstar Jerry Tuwai was crowned World Rugby Player of the Decade.
It was a sweet pill to swallow with pride by Fijians all over the world after months of being locked away from sporting fields.
Tuwai’s feat gave hope to this small South Sea nation amidst global doubts of sports’ success under the new norm.
JANUARY The first week of the new year brought the Fiji National Rugby League family together during the Nadroga/Navosa Rugby League 9s tournament at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Vusu Raiders won the final after beating Sabeto Raiders of Nadi 16-0. FRU super 7s series starts at Lawaqa Park featuring 16 men’s and four women’s teams. It was won by Police Blue 7-5 Raiwasa- Taveuni. Teri Tamani scored Police’s try and was converted by Waisea Nacuqu. The series was to expose local talents and warm-ups for Fiji 7s squads to the Olympic Games in Japan.
FEBRUARY Roy Krishna continues to shine in India by helping his club ATK Mohun beat Kerala Blasters 3-2 Fiji wins Uprising 7s over Police 31 – 0. Fiji thumped Police with tries from Iosefo Masi, Kamenieli Rasaku, Jone Manu and Taniela Sadrugu. Livai Ikanikoda was named the player of the tournament. The Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s takes centre stage at Prince Charles Park in Nadi enabling Fijian rugby fans to watch in droves, one of Fiji’s best annual rugby tournaments. Fiji Warriors beat Fiji Barbarians 24-12 in the fi nal.
MARCH A bitter end to a South Pacifi c Boxing Promotions program in Nadi when Suva boxer Nathan Singh cried foul over a decision which favoured his opponent Ronald Naidu. Singh is the younger brother of professional boxer Sebastian. Labasa beat Suva 2-1 to secure its fifth Pillay Garments CVC football series title. Labasa’s win in the rain, ensured that no team from the South would lay claim to the trophy which has eluded them in 29 years. The Fiji Bitter Sapphire Marist 7s tournament was the highlight of the month at the ANZ Stadium in Suva amidst the pandemic. Fans spilled into the Laucala Bay sports bowl to watch some of the best in the abbreaviated code in action.
APRIL Kaiviti Silktails settles in Australia for the Roin Massey Cup. They were visited by Fijian players in the NRL which included Viliame Kikau. The Silktails lost their fi rst game 26-30 to Windsor Wolves. FRU starts its calendar and Nadi beat Rewa 25-15 in the first Skipper Cup and Farebrother Trophy Challenge doubleheader. Other results of the first round: Namosi 19 – 13 Tailevu, Nadroga 25 – 17 Nasinu. Fiji Rugby Union announces the approval of the Fijian Drua team to play in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacifi c competition. The franchise forecast that it would inject about $15 million annually into the Fijian economy. April 19 was a dreaded day for Fijians with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainiamrama announcing: “Fiji is once again faced with a grave and present danger.” It was when Fiji went into lockdown because of COVID-19 and all sports were stopped.
MAY Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter and Fiji Rugby Union prepare the team for the two Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand. Levani Botia named captain for first Test. Fiji lost 23-57 in the first Test in Dunedin and 13-60 in Hamilton.
JUNE Fiji wins Oceania 7s which served as warm-up tournament for Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. The Fijiana 7s team set a record in the tournament by beating 2016 Rio Olympics women’s rugby gold medallist Australia.
JULY Fiji Rugby Union announces Fijian Drua sponsorship with Nike Sportswear which will be the attire distributor for the Fiji side in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Five years after Fiji’s inspiring victory at Rio 2016, she grabbed world attention again as 13 gallant warriors climbed on the winning dais at Tokyo after winning the gold medal men’s final with a 27-12 win against New Zealand. Darling of the Olympics was the Fijiana 7s when they ousted Australia, fought hard against New Zealand but beat Great Britain for the bronze medal.
AUGUST Celebrations spilled in Fiji as the Olympians returned home. Members of the Fijiana 7s team, who were once cast away for playing rugby, were traditionally welcomed and celebrations followed according to COVID-19 protocols. Olympian Jiuta Wainiqolo secured a France rugby contract and also married sweetheart Fiona Weleilakeba. Police also stopped celebrations for star Semi Radradra at Nabua. Olympians Napolioni Bolaca and Meli Derenalagi were recruited for the FijianDrua.
SEPTEMBER Asaeli Tuivuaka lands contract with Zebre Rugby Club in Italy. He was among the instrumental players in successful defence of the Olympic Games gold medal in Japan. Fiji Chess competes in the global virtual tournament. Government announces no jab, no play policy to speed up vaccination process. All sports organisations were alerted to comply to the policy to return Fiji to a quick return to sports competitions.
OCTOBER Fiji National Sports Commission relaxes sports restrictions after vaccination rate reaches 80 per cent. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama announces the lifting of sports restrictions after Fiji reached 80 per cent vaccination. Gareth Baber resigns as Fiji 7s coach to take up 15s coach for Edinburgh Rugby Club. He also coached the Flying Fijians in the Autumn Tour. Saiasi Fuli was named interim Fiji 7s coach for the Dubai 7s assisted by Timoci Volavola.
NOVEMBER Flying Fijians beat Spain in Autumn tour 43-13. Lautoka wins the Digicel Premier League title after beating Rewa.
DECEMBER Jerry Tuwai weds sweetheart Mereani in Suva. The double Olympic Games gold medallist did not play in the Dubai 7s for the occasion. Fiji competes in Dubai 7s with 11 new players, Fijiana 7s team was the talk of the tournament after winning a silver medal.
Tabadamu wins Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s Taveuni.
Army wins Ratu Sukuna Bowl in style and ended Police dominance in the annual tournament.
Former England 7s captain Ben Gollings has been named as the new Fiji 7s coach replacing Gareth Baber, who resigned after the Tokyo Olympics.
