Fiji 7s chase victory

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Filipe Sauturaga sets up play during the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s sevens team training session at Albert Park in Suva on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU

HONG Kong and Fiji share a special bond — one forged in sweat, skill, and countless unforgettable moments on the sevens pitch.

Last Sunday, the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team touched down early in the city, signaling their clear intent to reclaim the glory they once owned. The side last won it in 2019.

This tournament is more than just a stop on the HSBC SVNS series for Fiji.

It is a stage where legends are made and memories etched.

With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong Sevens, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The team’s early arrival is a statement of purpose: to prepare fully, adapt to conditions, and ensure they get off to a strong start.

Head coach Osea Kolinisau knows the weight of history and expectation.

“Hong Kong is special to Fiji. People here count Fiji as their home team,” he said.

The coach was candid about lessons learned from the last tournament slip-up in New York, USA.

“We’ve learned a lot from that. Now, it’s about qualifying for the next series and making sure we start well in Hong Kong,” said Kolinisau.

Kolinisau’s own memories of Hong Kong run deep.

He recalls the 2013 final vividly — a rare hat-trick scored, a moment few achieve on this hallowed turf.

“It’s special to me, but it would mean more if the team wins. I want to create those memories with the boys,” he said.

Fiji’s mission is clear: to honor a rich legacy, seize the moment on this 50th anniversary stage, and remind the world why Hong Kong and Fiji are inseparable in the rugby sevens story.

The early arrival is more than logistics — it’s a declaration that the boys are ready to bring the title home once again.