FIJIANA head coach Iliesa Tanivula commended the sacrifices and perseverance endured by his players in camp that enabled them to achieve another milestone during the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Kitakyushu during the weekend.
He said reaching the World Sevens Series semi-finals for the first time together with the naming of two players in the dream team, were testaments of the hard work put in by the players.
Tanivula said his troops had been consistent in their performance despite the number of disadvantages faced prior to the tournament.
Unlike the Fiji men’s 7s team, Fijian players are not contracted and they don’t have many local tournaments to best test their combination.
“And to perform well against the best in the world, was an indication of the players’ dedication,” said Tanivula.
“I am immensely proud of the girls. We don’t have a local competition where we can gauge more players available, but to compete at the world series and keep improving, is a testament of the players’ hard work and sacrifice. And we have been really lucky not to have any major injuries, which is always a set-back when you look for consistency in performance.”
The former New Zealand 7s rep said the players had learned a lot from previous world 7s tournaments and had improved in each tournament.
“The side finished fifth in its last tournament and has finished fourth over the weekend.
“We’re fighting above our weight and getting into the semi-finals has been huge for this group of players and has made us more hungry and desperate.
“It won’t be an easy ride. There will be losses along the way, but we just got to learn fast from them and move on and just keep our heads down and work hard and work smart.”
Skipper Ana Maria Roqica and Miriama Naiobasali were named in the Dream Team with Naiobasali scoring the most tries over the weekend. The side returns home tomorrow.
