Canadian Fijians known for rugby

Local Sports

Fiji 7s fans ready for Canada 7s ASK any Fijian what they're best known for in Vancouver and words are not the sun, sand and the sea but you guessed it, sevens rugby.

The sport that has been passed on generations and played with a passion hit its pinnacle after Fiji 7s Olympic Gold medal win in Rio, Brazil.

It brings people of all ethnicity together that have a common national interest under the sport.

Fijians couldn't agree more with the cool affirmation as their former county is not only a rugby nation but how out of poor and poverty breeds great rugby players year in and out.

Kitione Veimou, a Surrey resident said mention Fijian and people attach you with rugby.

"We Fijians are best known in Vancouver for our rugby, the reception gets even better with just a little hint of the Rio Olympic gold, on the back of it all, it's some feeling”, said Veimou with a smirk.

Veimou said following Fiji's historical Olympic gold medal win people in Vancouver have some bragging rights and rightly so rugby is what have Fijians singing the praise and something to talk about.

Samsher Ali, a trucker, has been a Fiji 7s fan for over four decades, says he wouldn’t argue the fact that there was a time when Fiji was known for the sun, sand and the sea and its friendly people added, following the Olympic Games gold, rugby is what has given Fijians a complete new recognition.

"We love it", he said "I guess I'd rather be known for rugby than football, rugby is the sport for all Fijians world over, after all it's what we’re known for”.

Ali said rugby is the sport that bring fans of all age and every ethnic denomination together and the diverse of it is visible during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and Vancouver Sevens is no less.

“Fijians show their adulation to their former countrymen while embracing one another in arms, singing and dancing away to the tune ‘go Fiji go’, and or toso viti toso”, he said.

Ali said Fijian fans just can’t wait to see Fiji take to the BC. Place Stadium in what many believe is Fiji’s tournament to lose.

“Fiji was asleep at the switch against USA in Cup- quarterfinal that’s all. The guys will come around during the Vancouver Sevens and will win it for Fijians world-over”.