7s reps autograph for charity auction
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s reps (from left) Captain Kalione Nasoko, Josua Vakurinabuli, Batinisavu Uluiyata and Apenisa Cakaubalavu sign a Fijian flag after a training session on December 20,2018 at Albert Park in Suva. Looking on is Steffan Baber, the son of Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber. The autographed Fijian flag, rugby ball and jersey will be handed to a charitable organisation in Hong Kong, China, called Food Angel, for auction. Food Angel helps provide food to underprivileged children in Hong Kong.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team are training and involved in a worthy cause during the offseason.
Third on the World Sevens Series after winning Cape Town Sevens earlier this month, the team assembled for two days before they break for the festive.
Following the team’s training session on Thursday the players were handed Fijian flags, rugby balls and a sevens rugby jersey to sign their names on.
These will then be presented to a man by the name of “Jerry” who works for Higgins Fiji and the Food Angel Charitable Organisation based in Hong Kong.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber explained the charity movement.
“The flag we bought is for a gentleman named “Jerry” who worked for Higgins Fiji, a road construction company based in the Western Division,” Baber said.
“He stopped to help me when my tyre got punctured as we were travelling to Suva from Nadi with my family.
“It was very kind of him to stop and help my family.
“The other autographed balls and jerseys will be presented to a charity organisation, the Hong Kong Food Angel.
“They provide food for underprivileged children in Hong Kong,” he said.
2018 recap
“We did some fantastic things, if you look at the full report, we did very well in some disciplines and we fell short in some,” Baber said. “Some lack of maturity in the group comes with experience playing in this level but these young players were guided by the senior players that showed them how to live up and play at this level.
“It was displayed in Cape Town when we won that final.”
2019 plans
“Our plan is to win the 2018/2019 World Sevens Series,” he said.
“If we are able to do that, then it will show that we developed as a group, one year out of the Olympics, and that takes pressure away. “This enables you to carry out plans that you have already. We know there are some new players that have come in and the beauty of the competition is the pressure is on them.
“We will retain this squad so they have time to develop together.”
FRU on Tuwai
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said he met with Baber and manager Jone Niurua regarding reports concerning Seremaia Tuwai switching to 15s. “I met Gareth and Jone last week and they expressed their concerns on the story in relation Tuwai’s departure from the 7s team and him getting a contract overseas. “They highlighted that the Fiji
Sun should have at least tried to get the views of the FRU. “Tuwai has not indicated to Baber, Jone and FRU that he will be leaving. Nor has he sought any release from the Fiji Rugby Union.” Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj