A small but patriotic group of Fijians gathered at Vancouver International Airport today to warmly welcome the Fiji men’s and women’s 7s teams ahead of the upcoming Canada Sevens.
Among the greet was Silvia Prasad, who has made it a heartfelt ritual to receive the Fiji contingent since the tournament’s inaugural Vancouver edition in 2016.
Silvia said it always feels special to welcome the players and officials, adding that they bring a piece of Fiji with them, a reminder of home while living away from home.
“It’s always a pleasure to welcome the team, men’s and women’s. I have always made it routine to show them how much we love Fiji and our sevens rugby,” she said.
Silvia said the Fiji rugby sevens teams carry a powerful presence, not just as elite athletes but as cultural ambassadors of Fiji.
“They bring energy, humility, faith, and that signature Fijian warmth everywhere they go.
“Hosting a team with such history and dominance in rugby sevens is something special in its own way.”
The Fiji contingent stepped into warmer-than-usual conditions for this time of year. Typically, late February in Vancouver is chilly, grey and wet.
Instead, the team arrived to 11-degree weather and clear, sunny skies, a pleasant surprise for players and travelling officials.
The men’s side arrives in formidable form.
They triumphed at the Singapore Sevens and followed that with an impressive runners-up finish at the Perth Sevens, building confidence ahead of the Vancouver leg.
The last time Fiji lifted the Vancouver title was in 2018 under head coach Gareth Baber.
Both teams now have a week to acclimatise before competition begins.
Although matches will be played indoors at BC Place, the atmosphere is expected to be anything but contained, with Fijian supporters traditionally creating one of the biggest and most vibrant backdrops on the sevens circuit.
Vuiviawa Naduvalo/ photo sub
