The Wardens Gold men’s rugby team is gearing up to compete in the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s, highlighting their aim to deliver strong performances in honor of their fellow officers back home who are covering shifts during the tournament. As the second leg of the Fiji Bitter 7s series kicks off today, Coach Viliame Veikoso expressed the team’s determination to emerge victorious, emphasizing their commitment to those supporting them during this time.
Veikoso shared, “We are coming over and taking part with the aim of winning. We know that in coming over for this, we are thinking of our fellow officers who are working during this time and covering our shifts so that we could come over.” He underscored that participation in the tournament is more than just a getaway for the team; it represents an opportunity to excel and secure a win.
The squad features a mix of returning veterans from last year’s roster alongside several new players for the current season, creating a well-rounded team. Veikoso also expressed his gratitude to the Fiji Corrections Service, family members, colleagues, and fans for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in making this journey feasible.
Traveling on the Goundar Shipping Limited vessel MV Lady Daya, the team left Suva on Tuesday night and reached Taveuni yesterday. Competitive teams to watch at the Wairiki 7s include Devo Babas, Yamacia, Army Green, Village Boys, and Y-IS Kava Vacalea. Notably, the Village Boys clinched victory in the first leg of the series by narrowly defeating Kava Vacalea 15-12 at the Yalovata 7s two weeks prior.
The tournament runs from today through Saturday, promising exciting matches as teams vie for glory in an event that is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in the Fiji Bitter 7s series. The Wardens Gold team’s spirit and dedication add to the anticipation, as they strive to honor their commitments both on and off the field.