Fijians united for 7s

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Fijian fans at the NZ 7s. Picture: MAIKELI SERU

RUGBY was secondary to Fijian rugby 7s fans who painted FMG Waikato Stadium at Hamilton blue in the past two days during the New Zealand Sevens.

Fijian fans filled the four corners of the stadium.

Many were in blue. Some in white.

Almost every fan carried a Fiji flag or its miniature size.

Most fans were Fijians of Indian descent living across New Zealand.

They came as families, some drove for hours to reach Hamilton, some paid for accommodation to enjoy the event.

Some were not rugby fans.

“In Fiji I never watch rugby, except during Hong Kong Sevens,” mother of two, Saleshni Kumar of Toko, Tavua, said.

“Back home in Fiji I followed soccer. We are from Tavua and I hardly go to soccer tournaments.

“I come to the Hamilton 7s to support the team. This is the Fiji team, that’s why we support it.

“Rugby comes second. It’s the four letter word, Fiji, that brings us together. We are Fijians and these players have united us. Our leaders back home should solve their differences and lead us as one big family.

“We want to return one day to a united and peaceful Fiji.”

The NZ Sevens ended yesterday.

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