FAITH Brothers may be new to the Fiji Bitter 7s Series, but the message behind the team runs deeper than results on the scoreboard.
The side is making its first appearance in the national sevens circuit and chose the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s as its starting point, a milestone senior player Papi Tanoa describes as a proud achievement for the team.
As one of the tournament debutants, Faith Brothers arrived in the North eager to test themselves and embrace the experience.
What makes the team unique is that all the players work together at the Sofitel Resort, where long hours in the tourism industry inspired them to form a rugby team of their own.
Tanoa said the idea grew naturally among workmates who shared not only a love for rugby, but also a common belief that brought them together.
“We thought of forming our team and naming it Faith Brothers.
“It’s our faith that kept us together and we have to be happy all the time,” Tanoa said.
Beyond competition, the team was also formed with health and wellbeing in mind. Tanoa said rugby helps the players stay fit and active, especially in an industry where lifestyle-related health issues are becoming more common.
“One of the reasons we formed the team is to keep ourselves fit, especially working in the tourism industry, and to keep away from non-communicable diseases,” he said.
The Western based side won their opening match beating Bainivualiku 10-0.
