St Anne’s Flying with Fijian reps
The spirit of celebrations was certainly flying high at St Anne’s Primary School in Suva. There was laughter, excitement and merry-making as the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians took a day off yesterday to visit the students at Pratt St.
Flying Fijian Ben Volavola had many young and old fans who grabbed the chance to dance and socialise with the flyhalf. Volavola is expected to be named in the team’s first lineup against Georgia on Saturday at Suva’s ANZ Stadium.
The team’s second Pacific Nations Cup match kicks off at 3.30pm.
It was an overwhelming yet humbling moment for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians after their visit to St Anne’s Primary School in Suva yesterday.
The students accorded a ‘cere’ (traditional welcoming ceremony) performed a ‘meke’ and sang Fijian traditional songs which their visitors thoroughly enjoyed.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijian prop Campese Ma’afu was thrilled to have made the visit as they gear up for their second game of the Pacific Nations Cup against Georgia this Saturday.
“To be honest I woke up this morning looking forward to a nice day-off, relaxing and focus on the maintenance of my body,” Ma’afu said.
“And being part of the visit at Saint Anne’s Primary School is really a humbling experience for me and the rest of the boys.
“I really appreciate the welcoming and reception hosted by the children which really shows how much love they have for rugby and the great support for the players.
“Especially growing up in a school in Fiji, what I experienced today was something unique which I really enjoyed it.
“I believe rugby in Fiji is like a religion and there should be more emphasis put in terms of encouraging the sport to be taught in school curriculum and with the level of interest from the children definitely shows that we are heading towards the right direction.
“Against Georgia, we are expecting the Lelos to be targeting us upfront. We have a plan and we need to execute it well.” Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians take on Georgia at 3:30pm at the ANZ Stadium while Manu Samoa take on Tonga ‘Ikale Tahi’ at 1pm..-