Fiji Rugby support decision by International Olympic Committee

Fiji Rugby Chief Executive John O’Connor together with Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Head Coach Gareth Baber fully support the decision made by the International Olympic Committee to postpone the 2020 Olympic Games due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic.

O’Connor says with World Rugby also putting their hands behind IOC, the decision had been made in benefit of the athletes around the globe.

He added “As highlighted by our Prime Minister that we are in war against the deadly COVID-19, I think the idea of shifting the Olympic Games was vital.”

Fijian 7s Coach Gareth Baber also shared the same sentiments on the decision made by IOC committee explaining how important it is to give every-one the opportunity to look after their loved ones during this difficult time.

“As a team we respect the decision because it’s not just about ourselves this is much bigger than us.”

The postponement means a lot more preparation and game time for our Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team who are the current Olympics Games Sevens gold medallist.

He added “This will give us more time and we’ve had a few injuries so we need to get these players back on track and give few other players more game time.

“We look at it as positive as well, we will look ahead of our plan and see what’s needed to be done, ultimately, I’ll push our players to their limit.”

“It’s important they have that self-management and self-awareness insuring they will put their hands up potentially to be an Olympian” Baber added.

Meanwhile, following the announcement from International Olympics Committee, World rugby issued a statement prioritizing the health and safety of the athletes and fans, as the governing body says it’s the right decision to make in these very difficult and unprecedented circumstances.

In a press release World Rugby states that the health and safety of the athletes, fans, and everyone involved “is our shared priority and responsibility.”

World Rugby looks forward to working closely together in a spirit of partnership with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and all other stakeholders towards the rescheduling of the Games.

“Our belief from the outstanding Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, is that the hosts will come out of this adversity stronger and more committed than ever before to deliver an exceptional Games.”