Alana Thomas commended the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team for their remarkable performance at the HSBC Vancouver 7s, where they finished as runners-up after losing to New Zealand. The team’s growth, with 22 new players joining this season, has been notable, showcasing resilience and improvement. As they prepare for future tournaments, Thomas emphasizes the need for further opportunities and support to enhance their performance globally.
Alana Thomas, the High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby at Fiji Rugby Union, has expressed admiration for the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team’s significant development and performance throughout the HSBC Vancouver 7s. They secured a commendable second place, ultimately losing to New Zealand with a score of 41-7 in the Women’s Cup final. Thomas emphasized the team’s impressive journey, particularly given that only three players with HSBC series experience were part of the squad at the start of the season, while 22 new members joined the Sevens program this year.
In reflecting on their progress, Thomas noted, “In three months and four tournaments, they’ve been able to reach a final for the first time in about three or four years.” This highlights the remarkable growth and development within the team. She further stated, “The growth, development, and depth are there. We just need to expose these players to more opportunities and invest more time and support around them to allow them to perform on the world stage.”
The Fijiana 7s team demonstrated great resilience, recovering from challenging performances in Dubai and Cape Town. Their efforts culminated in an improved performance in Perth, setting the stage for their success in Vancouver, where they triumphed over Brazil and Japan to reach the Cup final. According to Thomas, “The players were a demonstration of growth, not just from tournament to tournament, but game on game.” Their talent and ability to learn and improve were evident throughout their journey.
Thomas concluded, “I am super proud of the players, the staff, and the hard work they’ve put in.” Looking ahead, the team is poised to build on this achievement as they prepare for the remaining tournaments of the season, aiming for continued success and advancement on the international stage.
In summary, Alana Thomas praised the outstanding performance and growth of the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team during the HSBC Vancouver 7s. Their impressive journey, characterized by significant player development and resilience, has set a solid foundation for future successes. As they prepare for upcoming tournaments, the emphasis will be on continuing to nurture and support the team’s talent to achieve excellence on the world stage.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
