IT’S the thought of helping those affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston that made the Fiji Police rugby team agree to play in today’s #Stronger Than Winston 7s Rugby Appeal at the Uprising beach Resort.

Police team manager Tomasi Seviua said with the West 7s cancelled, they were notified by the organisers of the tournament regarding today’s competition.

“We thought this would also be a good way to help the people, we have some players in our team who are already out on operation but with this year’s theme of Community Policing through rugby, we thought this is another way we can help,” Seviua said.

Touched by pictures of the devastation that have hit Fiji because to Severe TC Winston, Seviua said because they would not be able to visit each community in the area now, being part of the tournament shows how much the Force cared for the people.

“This is one competition that we’re proud to be part of because unlike in other tournaments where we would do community awareness on police work and the law, this one way to assist the communities too and support this.”

Police will be part of the tournament with Samurai Barracudas, Tabadamu, Hillview, Army Nadroga, Uprising, with the special inclusion of the Spain 7s team and Wardens.

They will also be missing the services of Keponi Paul who is out injured, Livai Ikanikoda and Mijieli Nacagilevu who is likely to be in the Daveta team to travel to Las Vegas but will see former national rep Manu Laqai in the team.