Army Green has broken a lengthy winless streak at the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s, triumphing over Police Blue with a score of 21-5 in the men’s cup final. The contest was fiercely contested, beginning with Police Blue scoring the first try. However, Army Green’s formidable defense quickly turned the tide, preventing Police from building on their early advantage.
Jonetani Mudreilagi, the assistant manager of Army Green, expressed profound joy over the team’s first-ever Wairiki 7s trophy. He emphasized the significance of this victory, especially after years of participating in the prestigious tournament. Mudreilagi attributed the achievement to the dedication of the players and management, as well as the unwavering support from fans.
“This win marks the culmination of our efforts here in Wairiki,” Mudreilagi stated during an interview. “We have always competed in this tournament since its inception, and to finally lift the trophy is a tremendous achievement for us.”
The team’s journey to the tournament was remarkable, as they undertook a grueling 22-hour boat ride from Suva to Taveuni on the MV Lady Daya. Mudreilagi also expressed gratitude toward the families of the players and fellow army officers for their steadfast support, which he believes was instrumental in achieving this success. Alongside the trophy, the team was awarded prize money of $10,000.
This significant win not only represents a historic milestone for Army Green but also showcases the resilience and teamwork displayed by the players. Their success sets a promising precedent for future tournaments, inspiring hope for continued achievements in their rugby endeavors.