FIJI’S men’s and women’s Deaf Rugby Sevens teams are ready to take their game to the world stage, with head coach Tevita Rokoqiqi making sure his players know that Japan is no sightseeing trip.
The teams presented their traditional iTatau to Minister for Youth and Sports Honourable Jese Saukuru at the HFC Bank Stadium on Thursday, marking another important step towards the Deaf Rugby Sevens World Cup in Japan from October 31 to November 3.
During the ceremony, Saukuru acknowledged the responsibility that comes with wearing the national colours and encouraged the players to carry the Fiji flag with pride.
“This occasion represents more than a formal iTatau, it represents your determination, your discipline, teamwork and commitment to carry the Fiji flag with pride,” he said.
For Rokoqiqi, who has led the program since 2019, the iTatau made the significance of the tournament even clearer after almost a month of preparation in camp.
Although training has been part of the players’ routine for years, he said the World Cup presented a different challenge, and he has made sure they understand what lies ahead.
From the first day of camp, Rokoqiqi has consistently reminded the players that their preparation must reflect the demands of competing on the international stage.
“I encourage them, this is not a picnic for you to come and enjoy. We are preparing for war,” he said.
Furthermore, he said he was pleased to hear the players repeat that message during the iTatau, as it showed they had embraced the approach he had encouraged throughout their preparation.
The coach also has reasons to believe his sides can compete in Japan. Both teams won their respective divisions at the 2025 Pacific Rim Deaf Rugby Sevens tournament, giving them valuable success to build on before the World Cup.
In addition, a recent training session against Fiji’s national sevens team strengthened Rokoqiqi’s belief that his players could rise to the challenge.
However, he hopes the benefits of the campaign will extend beyond the rugby field. Through their participation, he wants the players to inspire children in the Deaf community to pursue sport and dream of representing Fiji.
He is also calling on the Government to provide greater employment opportunities for Deaf athletes, noting that many players remain unemployed despite their commitment to national representation.
The teams are scheduled to depart Fiji on Monday.
