Wish Lists for Our Gold Medallists

Our rugby 7s men’s team defied all odds to again win the gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games. We cannot help but be amazed at their perseverance and dedication to the sport of rugby and the country.

Whilst our 7s players have created a name for themselves internationally, there are some places in Fiji where they would rather be.

SunBiz, today, brings to you the bucket lists of some of our rugby boys.

Yasawa Islands

Sireli Maqala, is a young rugger who managed to impress the entire nation with his rugby skills.

Mr Maqala was the 13th member of the Rugby 7s teams for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games.

He said the Yasawas remained on the top of his list to visit.

“I would like to see the beauty of the Yasawas one day,” he said.

Mamanucas

Also known as the ‘White Shark,’ Ratu Meli Derenalagi is well known for his offloading ability in the game.

“It is on top of my bucket list right now because of its beautiful white sandy beaches and the beauty it has to offer,” he said.

And he is absolutely right.

The Mamanuca Islands of Fiji are a volcanic archipelago lying to the west of Nadi and to the south of the Yasawa Islands.

Some notable retreats on the group are: • Castaway Island, Fiji Resort

Cloud 9 Treasure Island resort Mana Island Resort The Lau Group

For ‘game breaker’ Waisea Nacuqu, and the youngster who took the rugby world by storm, Iosefo Masi, the Lau Group remains on the bucket list.

The Lau group is a string of around 60 islands and islets, of which 30 remain uninhabited.

With a number of islands untouched by any development, you can experience the alluring, virgin waters with white sandy beaches.

Vatulele Island

Known for its legends of red prawns, Vatulele is a raised coral limestone paradise which lies to the south of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu.

Former Flying Fijians winger, and Olympian, Jiuta Wainiqolo said the island was on his bucket list.

He said: “It would be Vatulele island. More specifically, my mother’s village, Ekubu village.

“I have heard of its beauty – lovely beaches and landscape.”

Taveuni

Gold medallist Napolioni Bolaca made the garden island of Fiji on the top of his bucket list.

“I have heard of its beauty and how good it is there,” he said.

Mr Bolaca said he would love to visit the renowned places Taveuni has to offer in the future.

Part of Vatulele island. Guests kayaking near Fulaga island in the Lau group.

Guest enjoying a swim at Cloud 9, in the Mamanucas.

Waterfalls at Bouma National Heritage Park in Taveuni.

Beach front villa at Yasawa Island Resort and Spa.