Fiji national rugby sevens team

Last updated
Fiji
Flag of Fiji.svg
Union Fiji Rugby Union
Coach(es) Osea Kolinisau
Captain(s) Vatemo Ravouvou
Top scorer Waisale Serevi (1310)
Most tries Waisea Nacuqu (135)
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Team kit
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Change kit
World Cup Sevens
Appearances8 (First in 1993 )
Best resultChampions (1997, 2005, 2022)
World Rugby series (2005–2006, 2014–2015, 2015–2016, 2018–2019)
Fiji national rugby sevens team
Medal record
Olympic Games
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2016 Rio de Janeiro Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2020 Tokyo Team
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2024 Paris Team
Rugby Sevens World Cup
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1997 British Hong Kong Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2005 Hong Kong Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2022 Cape Town Team
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 1993 Edinburgh Team
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2001 Mar del Plata Team
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2013 Moscow Team
World Games
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2001 Akita Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2005 Duisburg Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2009 Kaohsiung Team
Oceania Sevens Championship
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2014 Noosa Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2016 Suva Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2017 Suva Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2018 Suva Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2021 Townsville Team
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2011 Apia Team
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2013 Suva Team
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2019 Suva Team
Pacific Games
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1999 Santa Rita Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2003 Suva Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2007 Apia Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2015 Port Moresby Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2019 Apia Team
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2011 Noumea Team

The Fiji national rugby sevens team has competed in the World Rugby Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Olympics. Fiji won the gold medal in the inaugural rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics in 2016 in Brazil, the country's first Olympic medal in any event, and repeated as Olympic champions in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, defeating New Zealand. [1] Fiji would fall short from winning gold for a third straight time in 2024 after a defeat in the final to hosts France. Overall, Fiji are the only national rugby sevens team in the world to have won the Sevens Treble (the Olympics, Sevens Series, and World Cup), the three major achievements in Sevens. They have won multiple World Rugby Sevens Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Contents

Fiji Sevens is watched and enjoyed by fans around the world for its style of play — the "Flying Fijians" play with Fijian flair. [2] Their passing and offloads can be unorthodox for traditional rugby coaching, and more similar to basketball style. [3]

History

The International Rugby Board (IRB) expanded the sevens rugby competition to become a series of 11 tournaments around the world. The debt the FRU incurred from the 2000 sevens series was significant. At the end of December 2000, the FRU was burdened with accumulated losses of F$933,306. Fiji appealed to the IRB for funding, arguing that the sevens tournament was built around Fiji and they would not be able to participate without such funding. From that appeal flowed participation funds that enabled the islands teams to play in the World Sevens Series fully funded. By the end of November 2001, the FRU was sitting on a surplus of F$560,311 compared with the previous year's net loss of F$675,609.

The FRU again ran out of money in 2013 to support the national sevens team. The IRB had temporarily suspended funding due to concerns with FRU financial management and governance. The head coach went unpaid for months, another staff was terminated, and the team lacked funds for basic supplies such as rugby balls and bottled water. [4]

Waisale Serevi is highly regarded as the best player ever in sevens rugby.[ citation needed ] Nicknamed the "maestro", played in this side from 1989 to 2006 leading them to countless tournament victories, two Sevens World Cups in 1997 and 2005.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Summary
RankTimesSeasons
1st42005–06, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2018–2019
2nd61999–2000, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2011–12, 2017–18
3rd92000–01, 2002–03, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
4th52001–02, 2003–04, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2010–11
Total24

Fiji has won the World Rugby Sevens Series four times — first in 2005–06, and most recently in 2018–19. Fiji is one of only two teams — along with New Zealand — to finish in the top four of the World Series every season since its inception.[ citation needed ]

Sevens Series record
YearPositionRoundsPointsMost triesMost points
1999–00 2nd10180 Vilimoni Delasau (83)
2000–01 3rd9124
2001–02 4th11122
2002–03 3rd794
2003–04 4th884
2004–05 2nd788
2005–06 1st8144
2006–07 2nd8128 William Ryder (416)
2007–08 4th898 Emosi Vucago (25) Neumi Nanuku (146)
2008–09 2nd8102 Vereniki Goneva (24)
2009–10 4th8108 William Ryder (166)
2010–11 4th8122 Seremaia Burotu (29) Emosi Vucago (195)
2011–12 2nd9161 Joeli Lutumailagi (28) Metuisela Talebula (271)
2012–13 3rd9121 Samisoni Viriviri (29) Joji Baleviani Raqamate (247)
2013–14 3rd9144 Samisoni Viriviri (52) Samisoni Viriviri (260)
2014–15 1st9164 Savenaca Rawaca (42) Osea Kolinisau (312)
2015–16 [5] 1st10181 Savenaca Rawaca (35) Vatemo Ravouvou (287)
2016–17 3rd10150
2017–18 2nd10180 Eroni Sau (37) Amenoni Nasilasila (316)
2018–19 1st10186 Aminiasi Tuimaba (46)
2019–20 3rd683 Aminiasi Tuimaba (20) Napolioni Bolaca (159)
2021 DNP
2021–22 3rd9122 Viwa Naduvalo (28) Waisea Nacuqu (230)
2022–23 3rd11156 Waisea Nacuqu (317)
2023–24 3rd
Total4 Titles2022959 Nasoni Roko (125) Waisale Serevi (1,310)

Quadrennial tournaments

Summer Olympics

Fiji teams at the 2020 Summer Olympics Fiji Rugby Team at the 2020 Olympics (cropped).jpg
Fiji teams at the 2020 Summer Olympics
Olympic Games record
YearRoundPosPldWLDMost triesQualifying
Flag of Brazil.svg 2016 [6] Final1st6600 J. Tuisova (5)Finished first at the 2014–15 World Series
Flag of Japan.svg 2020 Final1st6600 Jiuta Wainiqolo (5)Finished first at the 2018–19 World Series
Flag of France.svg 2024 Final2nd6510 Joji Nasova (4)Finished third at the 2022–23 World Series
Total2 Titles3/3181710
Olympic Games History
2016 Pool stageFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 40 – 12Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil Win
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 21 – 14Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina Win
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 24 – 19Flag of the United States.svg  United States Win
QuarterfinalsFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 12 – 7Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Win
SemifinalsFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 20 – 5Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Win
FinalFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 43 – 7Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain Win
2020 Pool stageFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 24 – 19Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Win
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 28 – 14Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Win
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 33 – 7Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain Win
QuarterfinalsFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 19 – 0Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Win
SemifinalsFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 26 – 14Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina Win
FinalFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 27 – 12Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Win
2024 Pool stageFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 40 – 12Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay Win
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 38 – 12Flag of the United States.svg  United States Win
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 19 – 12Flag of France.svg  France Win
QuarterfinalsFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 19 – 15IRFU flag.svg  Ireland Win
SemifinalsFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 31 – 7Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Win
FinalFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 7 – 28Flag of France.svg  France Loss

Rugby World Cup Sevens

World Cup Sevens record
YearRoundPositionPlayedWonLostDrewMost triesMost points
Flag of Scotland.svg 1993 Semi-finals3rd9720
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1997 Finals1st7700 M. Vunibaka (12) W. Serevi (117)
Flag of Argentina.svg 2001 Semi-finals3rd7610
Flag of Hong Kong.svg 2005 Finals1st8800
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg 2009 Quarter-finals5th4310
Flag of Russia.svg 2013 Semi-finals3rd6420
Flag of the United States.svg 2018 Semi-finals4th4220
Flag of South Africa.svg 2022 Finals1st4400
Total3 Titles8/8494180 M. Vunibaka (23) W. Serevi (297)

Commonwealth Games

Tournament Victories

Players

Current squad

The following players have been selected to represent Fiji during the 2023–24 SVNS tournament beginning in December 2023.

Note: Caps reflect the total number of SVNS events competed in as of the 2023 Dubai Sevens.

Player Position Date of birth (age)CapsClub/province
Jerry Matana Forward (1998-07-14) 14 July 1998 (age 27)14Unattached
Sevuloni Mocenacagi Forward (1990-06-29) 29 June 1990 (age 35)48 Rouen
Kaminieli Rasaku Forward (1999-07-12) 12 July 1999 (age 26)10 Bayonne
Filipe Sauturaga Forward (1994-06-19) 19 June 1994 (age 31)12Unattached
Joseva Talacolo (c) Forward (1997-04-01) 1 April 1997 (age 28)13Unattached
Ilikimi Vunaki Forward 2001 (age 23–24)1Unattached
Pilipo Bukayaro Back (1999-03-18) 18 March 1999 (age 26)15Unattached
Josese Batirerega Back (1999-11-28) 28 November 1999 (age 25)9Unattached
Rubeni Kabu Back 1997 (age 27–28)1Unattached
Netava Koroisau Back 1996 (age 28–29)1Unattached
Manueli Maisamoa Back (1995-08-09) 9 August 1995 (age 30)17Unattached
Vuiviawa Naduvalo Back (1996-05-25) 25 May 1996 (age 29)15Unattached
Kavekini Tabu Back (1994-06-21) 21 June 1994 (age 31)7 Bressane
Terio Tamani Back (1994-07-06) 6 July 1994 (age 31)13Unattached

Records and statistics

Olympic squads

Player records

The following section lists player records from the World Rugby Sevens Series. Players in bold are still active.

Award winners

The following Fiji Sevens players have been recognised at the World Rugby Awards since 2004: [14]

Former players

In addition to the players listed above, other notable players include:

Head coaches

CoachTenureNote
Gareth Baber 2016–21Baber has won the most tournaments by a Fiji 7s coach and has coached the side to their 4th World Series Title in 2019. In addition, Baber also coached the Fiji 7s side to victory by bringing the country's second gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Ben Ryan 2013–16Ryan coached the Fiji 7s side to 2 back-to-back world series titles and the country's first gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Alifereti Dere 2010–13
Waisale Serevi 2005–07; 2008–09Serevi coached/played in the side from 2005 to 2007 guiding Fiji to their first World Sevens Series title in the 2005–2006 season.
Pauliasi Tabulutu 2004–06
Wayne Pivac 2005
Etuate Waqa
Ratu Kitione Vesikula
Rupeni Ravonu
Peni Veidreyaki
Alifereti Cawanibuka
Tomasi Cama 2001
Josateki Sovau 1987
Sanivalati Laulau
Timoci Wainiqolo

See also

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ "Fiji beats New Zealand to clinch back-to-back Olympic titles". AP. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  2. ↑ "Rugby Sevens final: Team GB thrashed 43-7 as Fiji win their first-ever Olympic medal", Telegraph, Daniel Schofield, 12 August 2016.
  3. ↑ "Q&A: Ben Ryan on life after becoming an Olympic legend – and Fijian chief – as coach of the island’s gold-medal rugby team", South China Morning Post, James Porteous, 15 October 2016.
  4. ↑ "No Money, No Problem for Fiji Rugby Sevens Team", New York Times, Emma Stoney, March 28, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Fiji secure back-to-back titles after day one in London", Telegraph, Oliver Pickup, 21 May 2016.
  6. ↑ "Fiji storms to sevens gold, claiming first-ever Olympic medal", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 12 August 2016.
  7. ↑ "A potted history of sevens at the Commonwealth Games", WorldRugby.org, 6 April 2018.
  8. ↑ "Fiji suspended from 2010 Commonwealth Games", Herald Sun, Julie Tullberg, October 12, 2009.
  9. ↑ "Fiji drops Games boycott threat", news.com.au, March 27, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Fiji storms to sevens gold, claiming first-ever Olympic medal", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 12 August 2016.
  11. ↑ "How Fiji Sevens’ Waisale Serevi and his band of ‘schoolchildren’ took the Hong Kong 1997 World Cup home", South China Morning Post, Sam Agars, 18 July 2018.
  12. ↑ "Fiji storm to victory in Oceania Sevens in Noosa with victory over New Zealand in the final" Archived 2018-10-27 at the Wayback Machine , Ultimate Rugby Sevens, Nick Jordan, 4 October 2014.
  13. ↑ World Rugby
  14. ↑ "Awards Roll of Honour - World Rugby". www.world.rugby. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
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