EVEN before the gates opened at the BC Place, hundreds of Fijian fans had already lined up in anticipation of the start of the Canada Sevens.
Dressed in colourful costumes with pomp and pageantry, they gathered to loudly cheer on the Fiji men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams.
Waving Fiji flags, beating drums and chanting traditional songs, the supporters created an electric atmosphere long before the first whistle of the day.
For many, attending the Vancouver leg of the Sevens circuit has become an annual pilgrimage.
Fans travel from across Canada and the United States, and some even journey from Fiji, to show their unwavering support for the national teams.
The sea of blue, white and red inside the stadium has become a familiar sight each year, turning the venue into a home away from home for the players.
The Fijian community’s presence is often one of the loudest and most colourful at the tournament, with families, friends and rugby lovers uniting to celebrate both the sport and their culture.
Their message is simple win or lose, the support for Fiji rugby never fades.
