Prime Minister and Fiji Rugby President Voreqe Bainimarama visited the Fijiana 7s camp at Pacific Theological College in Nasese, Suva last Tuesday.

PM showed his full support for the team and reminded them to keep on working hard as a team as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.

“Keep training, keep working hard, and continue becoming that great team you’re capable of being,” said Honorable Prime Minister.

Fijiana 7s Manager Vela Naucukidi said that PM’s visit has boosted the team morale in camp, adding that his words of encouragement will lift the standard of commitment for the team.

“His presence boosted the morale of the players and will surely lift the standard of commitment from each of the girls and the management,” said Naucukidi.

Honorable Prime Minister said that experience will be a key factor for their Olympic campaign, adding that the presence of few squad members who were part of the 2016 Rio Olympics will definitely help the team.

“We have some familiar faces here who represented Fiji proudly at the Rio Olympics in 2016,” the Honorable Prime Minister said.

“Rusila Nagasau, Ana Naimasi, Ana Roqica, and Raijeli Daveua these preparations aren’t new to any of you, when you take the field in Tokyo, we’ll see the benefit of that experience,” said President of Fiji Rugby.

“I want to remind you about what we’ve already seen and that is the inspiration you and your team-mates have served as young women of this country,” said Honorable Prime Minister.

He added that women in rugby in the country has reached another level, as the game continues to grow dramatically, and he credits the development and outreach programme for women in rugby that’s been happening in the past years.    

“When our coaches were looking to assemble the squad that ultimately competed in Rio, there were 200 registered women rugby players in Fiji, now there are more than 1000 women playing rugby around the country” he said.

“I want to credit the outreach we’ve done to spur interest among women in this game and we all know that nothing motivates young people more than watching their heroes compete in the world’s greatest stage,” he added.