The Fiji 7s players have been reminded of the prestige that the Hong Kong Sevens holds for all Fijians ahead of the opening round matches of the tournament this evening.
Fiji holds the record of the most title victories in the tournament which started back in 1976.
The national side lifted the Hong Kong 7s title 19 times and finished as the runner-up on 28 occasions.
This is a major feat in comparison to second placed New Zealand which has won the title 11 times and finished as the runner-up on 22 occasions.
Only captain Waisea Nacuqu, Sevuloni Moceinacagi and Josua Vakurinabili have featured in Hong Kong which is dubbed as the mecca of all 7s tournaments. Fiji 7s assistant coach Viliame Satala, who is no stranger to Hong Kong, said it would be a big challenge for the new players as the atmosphere would be different.
“I have been telling them that the Hong Kong 7s tournament will be different from others,” Satala said.
“I have been reminding the boys the history that Fiji has created in Hong Kong since the inaugural event in 1976.
“Also the importance of the tournament for all Fijians as it is where we made our name in the abbreviated code. The people of Fiji expect the team to win all the time as it is the most prestigious tournament in the world.”
Satala made his debut at Hong Kong in 1994.He was part of Fiji’s winning team in the 1999 edition of the tournament.
The biggest achievement for Satala at Hong Kong was winning the Melrose Cup (Rugby World Cup Sevens title) in 2005. Satala said he was returning to Hong Kong after a long time.
“The last time I went to Hong Kong must have been in 2013 or 2014. I went to play in the 10s tournament with the Asia Pacific Barbarians team. That team consisted of George Gregan (Australia), Justin Marshall (New Zealand), Roy Kinikinilau (New Zealand), Orene Ai’I (New Zealand), Christian Cullen (New Zealand) and Rico Gear (New Zealand).
“So it is a privilege to be gracing the Hong Kong Stadium once again. I would say it is Fiji’s home ground as we have some fond memories there. I was part of the Fiji 7s team that won the Rugby World Cup 7s in 2005 which was 17 years ago.”
Fijian 7s squad: Josefa Talacolo, Josua Vakurinabili, Jerry Matana, Tira Welagi, Josevani Soro, Sevuloni Moceinacagi, Philipo Bukayaro, Waisea Nacuqu, Filipe Sauturaga, Manueli Maisamoa, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Iowane Teba, Paula Nayacakalou.
