10 Aug. 2016– After a 92 year absence rugby has finally come back to the Olympics. With that, Fiji, a small nation with a population of around 900,000 people has a chance to win its first medal in any Olympic competition.
Competing in the men’s sevens competition, the back-to-back World Champions are favorites to win the gold. It won’t be easy with other big nations such as New Zealand, South Africa, Great Britain, and even the US standing in their way, Fiji will most definitely have their hands full. With that being said, expectations are at an all time high. So high that Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced the squad heading to Rio.
This squad has quite the background story. According to an article on time.com, some of the players used to use flip-flops, plastic bottles, and even bundled-up shirts as balls to play with. The article also stated that some have jobs on the side; a prison warden, and two hotel bellhops.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Head Coach Ben Ryan seems like just the man to take this squad to the promise land. After signing in 2013, Ryan won two tournaments his first season, four in the next, and three last year. Fiji will use that momentum to help them achieve what no one in their country’s history has done. Win an Olympic medal.
Here is a list of the Fiji men’s sevens rugby squad:
- Osea Kolinisau (Captain)
- Apisai Domolailai
- Jasa Veremalua
- Josua Tuisova
- Kitione Taliga
- Leone Nakarawa
- Samisoni Viriviri
- Savenaca Rawaca
- Semi Kunatani
- Vatemo Ravouvou
- Viliame Mata
- Jerry Tuwai
- Masivesi Dakuwaqa (Traveling Reserve)
- Ben Ryan (Head Coach)
Article by: Nick Husni
The post Fiji’s sevens rugby squad look to win nation’s first Olympic medal appeared first on Sports 961.
