President: Learn, Gain More

Fiji Airways Fijiana XVs team presented their i-tatau to President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote at Borron House, Suva yesterday.

President Konrote reminded the players they are ambassadors of Fiji on and off the field and congratulated them for being selected.

“I thank you for honouring our tradition. I thank you for your sacrifice and this is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure in the international competition and gain new knowledge,”he said.

President Konrote commended the Fiji Rugby Union for sending the first women’s XVs team on a two- match tour.

“This is the first time a national women’s fifteens team is on a two- match tour to Australia,” he said. “I’m very happy to see that FRU is breaking ground in the development of women in rugby. May this be a sign of more opportunities to come for our women.”

Coach Ro Alivereti Dovivereta said they will be out to make Fiji proud.

“We had four days of preparation so we are trying to put together a plan for the first game on Monday,” Ro Doviverata said.

“We are not sure the quality and strength of the Brumbies and Newcastle teams. But we are going there to play 80 minutes.”

Ro Dovivereta is confident the experience of co-captains Leilani Burnes and Sereima Leweniqila would help the team.

The team depart today and play their first match against Brumbies on Monday and Newcastle next Saturday.