MENTION Fiji and sevens rugby to Viliame Cama and his family, and their faces instantly light up as plans begin months in advance to be in Vancouver for the Canada Sevens.
For them, the annual tournament is more than just rugby, it is a chance to reconnect, celebrate and spend time with loved ones.
Families travelled from different parts of Canada and even encouraged relatives from Fiji to make the journey for the gathering.
Cama, who lives in Kelowna about three hours from Vancouver, said this year he is surrounded by relatives and friends who travelled from Edmonton, Calgary and Fiji.
Many of those attending are originally from Natuvu Village in Wailevu, Savusavu, as well as nearby communities.
“We are a group of families from Alberta Province and Vancouver,” Cama said.
With Vancouver often described as beautiful British Columbia, Cama joked that the occasion has become even more special with a visiting cousin from Savusavu — famously known as the hidden paradise of Fiji.
“The coming together of beauty and paradise under one roof,” he laughed.
While the festive mood continued, there was still a hint of disappointment after Fiji’s loss to Spain in the Cup semifinal.
“We are a bit sad that Spain beat Fiji in the semifinal, but it’s a game, obviously one team will win,” Cama said.
“It was Spain and, as a sportsperson, I’m happy.
“I’m speaking for myself though my group probably feels otherwise, we’ll find out I guess.”
Cama’s cousin from Fiji did not look too impressed and sat quietly. When asked if he was unhappy following Fiji’s loss to Spain, he murmured: “Bad game.”
Despite the setback, the families still planned to explore Vancouver before heading back home, taking with them memories from the Vancouver Sevens.
Cama was confident Fiji would bounce back and defeat Australia in the bronze medal playoff.
His prediction proved right, as Fiji defeated Australia 29–10 to secure the bronze medal at the 2026 HSBC Vancouver SVNS.
