Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team left the country yesterday for the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship in Brisbane, Australia.
The forthcoming three-day tournament, set to commence this Friday, will host 25 teams from 14 countries in the Pacific region, featuring 15 men’s and 10 women’s teams.
The Fiji men’s side arrived in Brisbane on Monday.
For the Fijiana team, this championship is a pivotal challenge as they aim to secure qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Fiji Rugby Union national operations manager, Sale Sorovaki emphasised the significance of this goal.
“The women have been unwavering in their preparations to qualify for the Olympics, and that is our sole focus,” Sorovaki said.
Over the course of the three days, the tournament will feature a total of 66 matches, comprising 35 men’s and 31 women’s, filled with electrifying 7s action.
Of notable importance, the championship also includes pre-qualified Olympic teams, namely New Zealand, Australia, and the Fiji men’s teams, as well as the New Zealand Development and Australia 7s women’s teams.
They will converge at Ballymore to refine their skills in anticipation of a demanding year of sevens rugby in 2024.
With the men’s team seeking to surpass their previous season’s performance, Sorovaki affirms, “the men are resolute in their aim to elevate their record from the past season”.
As the Fiji teams embark on their journey to Brisbane, they carry not only the dreams of their nation but the aspirations of a legacy steeped in sevens excellence.
The Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship is not just a tournament; it’s a stage where dreams become reality and Fiji’s sevens heritage continue to shine.
The Oceania 7s will be played from November 10-12 (2023).
