Fiji Formidable defending men’s champions – Fijiana hoping to make their mark
Rugby is a religion

Fervour greeted Fiji’s first Olympic medal when Ben Ryan’s rugby sevens team were crowned champions in Rio in 2016.

Fiji arrived in Brazil as favourites with back-to-back World Rugby Sevens Series titles behind them.

Despite the pressure, they delivered a masterclass of rugby sevens, defeating Great Britain 43-7 in the final.

Sevens pedigree

1 Olympic gold medal

4 World Rugby Sevens Series titles

2 Rugby World Cup Sevens titles

3 Commonwealth Games silver medals

The historic victory in Rio made Fiji the only men’s team to win the “sevens treble” achieved by winning a World Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens, and Olympic gold medal.

Revered status

Englishman Ryan’s role in harnessing Fiji’s natural flair with improved discipline was recognised in several ways by his adopted country.

As well as being given a Fijian chief’s name, Ratu Peni Latianara of Serua, Ryan was presented with three acres of land, pictured on a coin, and awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji.

The King of Sevens

Few would argue that Fiji have given the game of rugby sevens the best player on the planet in Waisale Serevi.

With his ability to change pace and direction and deceive opponents with a cunning sleight of hand, Serevi was the heartbeat of the Fijian team.

The five-time Hong Kong Sevens Cup winner scored 1,310 points on the World Rugby Sevens Series before moving into coaching.

All eyes on gold again

Fiji will be travelling to Tokyo looking to repeat their Rio heroics and bring another gold medal to the island nation.

Fiji possess the World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 leading points scorer in exciting new young gun Napolioni Bolaca.

His 159 points kept him ahead of Ireland’s prolific finisher, Jordan Conroy.

Will he be able to help bring home gold for Fiji once more?

Fijiana An emerging force in women’s sevens.
Playing catch-up

Since winning the Bowl at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013, Fijiana have established themselves as a core team on the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Fijiana players are seen as inspiring role models for the female population of Fiji.

There are now more than 1,000 women regularly playing rugby in Fiji.

Role model

Former captain Ana Maria Roqica is one of Fiji’s most recognisable players. Roqica has also left her mark on 15s too, as a member of the squad that secured historic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2021.