By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Tokyo

TOKYO, 01 AUGUST 2021 (PACNEWS) – “From 8th place in the Rio Olympics in 2016, to defeating the reigning gold medallists Australia and the bronze medallist in Canada, our Fijiana Olympians have already earned their place on the pedestal of rugby in Fiji — Hail Fijiana!!” said Bainimarama in a brief post on his official Facebook account Saturday night.

Hinting on a possible infringement that was not picked up by the referee during the game, the Fijian leader said, “We may not all agree what constitutes a knock-on…but I know we can all agree our Fijiana played their hearts out.”

Bainimarama said the Fijiana Team has made Fiji proud and, “We have witnessed a legacy in the making from our Fijiana in Tokyo. Ahead of the Rio Olympics, there were 200 registered women rugby players in Fiji. Now, there are more than 1000. 

“With the eyes of the young women of Fiji upon these heroes –– no doubt we'll soon see many thousands more. The best from this team is yet to come. Congratulations Girls!” said Bainimarama.

Speaking after the bronze medal match against Great Britain, captain Rusila Nagasau said her team mates put their bodies on the line to win bronze and third place ranking.

“We came here for a mission and that was to win the gold medal but it didn’t go the way we wanted. However, we are more than happy with a bronze. That is an achievement for us as a team,” said Nagasau.

“We stood our ground and I know that it didn’t turn out the way we wanted. That is what rugby is all about – one will win and the other will lose.

“Going back home with a bronze is something special, especially when we have not seen our families for the last five months. When we came here our aim was to earn something four our people suffering from COVID19 spreading in Fiji right now.

“Our aim was to put smiles back on their faces,” said Nagasau.

Team Fiji Chef de Mission, Patrick Bower said the outstanding performance by the men and women sevens team has earned Fiji two medals – a gold and bronze in the Olympics.

“We were so happy to see their performance today. Quite frankly we thought they could have made it to the final, however speaking to the girls, it’s so good to see them in a positive spirit and whilst the Olympics is every four years, they can move ahead and prove that they have a place in the Olympics, like every other sport that Fiji is represented by.”

The Fijianas beat Great Britain 21-12 in the bronze medal play-off with three tries and three conversions. From 8th place at the last Olympics in Rio, the Fiji Women’s Sevens Rugby team are now the third best women’s rugby team in the world.

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