Fiji men’s 7s player and the Greatest Player of the World Cup Sevens Final Award winner Filipe Sauturaga said it was a miracle winning the award yesterday.
He was named the winner after helping Fiji win the final against New Zealand 29-12.
“First of all I thank the Almighty God for this great win and I believe this is a miracle for me and for Fiji after 17 years,” he said after the final.
“It has been a blessing to the boys to win this World Cup Sevens title.
“I take this time to give back the honour and glory to the Almighty God.”
Sauturaga thanked the supporters and families for their prayers and the support that enabled them to achieve a milestone.
“It has been 17 years since we’ve lifted the prestigious Melrose Cup again and we would like to dedicate it to you all.”
Meanwhile, Fiji Rugby board chairman Commodore Humphrey Tawake congratulated the team for creating another milestone achievement in the history of Rugby in Fiji.
“This is a tremendous achievement by the Fijian 7s head coach, management and the team which have toiled tirelessly with commitment, sacrifices and diligence in making our country and all Fijians globally proud.”
The Melrose Cup returns to our shores for the third time after a lapse of 17 years and Fiji Rugby Union acting chief executive officer Sale Sorovaki sang praises of our 7s gladiators for beating all odds.
The Ben Gollings-coached side proved too strong for New Zealand in the final, and Sorovaki, said the players really worked hard for the win. “All glory goes back to God for giving the players the edge and strength they needed for the tournament,” he said.
“We are very, very happy with the win since it had been 17 years since we last won the Melrose Cup.
“Full credit goes to the team management and the players for persevering on despite the difficulties and setbacks they had to face in their preparations.
“It is not easy to put on a performance like that and I commend them for their continuous hard work.”
The Fiji Airways 7s side defeated Wales 29-5 in their first match, booking them a place in the quarter finals against edging them out 21-10 in a tough clash.
The national side then marched on to meet Australia in the semi-final and demolished all hopes for the Aussies by winning 38-14.
Fiji and Australia were crowned Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 winners in the men’s and women’s events respectively as they both defeated reigning champions New Zealand in two exhilarating finals in Cape Town.
Australia’s women continued their imperious 2022 form by beating New Zealand in a thrilling final.
France took bronze in the women’s event with a commanding 29-7 win over the USA.
Argentina took fifth thanks to a win over France, while Fijiana did the same in the women’s event with tournament-best 53-0 victory over Canada.
