Wednesday 3 April 2013 – Digicel Fiji today handed a bonus payment of $82, 042.15 to the Digicel Fiji 7s team for winning the Hong Kong 7s title and reaching the quarterfinals in the Japan 7s.
The team, led by captain Nemani Nagusa had an impressive outing in Hong Kong, successfully defending their title beating Wales 26-19 in a pulsating final at the SoKon Po stadium. Trailing 19-0 at half-time, The Digicel Fiji 7s team bounced back in the second half to score 26 unanswered points and in doing so, the team displayed utmost dedication, courage and determination.
Digicel Fiji Head of Marketing, Ms.Sheryl Singh congratulated the team on their remarkable performance in the coveted Hong Kong tournament and said that the team’s performance was a testimony of the sacrifices of the players and the team management. “The team was outstanding in the entire tournament winning all their matches. Our boys showed real class and were verydetermined to defend their title,” said Ms. Singh. She added that whenever the Digicel Fiji 7s team competed in the Hong Kong 7s, the expectation back homewasalways high as Fiji has lifted the cup in Hong Kong more than any other team. “I wish to also acknowledge the wonderful job done by the team management in preparing the team so well”. Ms. Singh also acknowledged the outstanding contribution of both the senior and new players in the team. While announcing the bonus payment, Ms.Singh thanked all the loyal supporters who came out in numbers to welcome the team home.
Chief Executive Officer of FRU, Mr. ManasaBaravilala stated, “We are extremely proud of the Digicel Fiji 7s team for retaining the Hong Kong 7s title and, in the manner and style they did it in. To successfully defend the Hong Kong title on the same weekend as Waisale Serevi’s induction into the IRB Hall of Fame, you could not have written a better script. Without Digicel’s financial sponsorship Fiji Sevens would be pressed to succeed and Digicel has been very supportive of FRU from the start”.
“Fijian rugby fans all over the world shared in the joy of the Hong Kong 7s win and the induction at the Holy Grail of 7s Rugby. The boys played with determination and the true class of Fijian rugby, to win and lift the coveted Hong Kong 7s trophy for the 14th year. On behalf of the FRU board I would like to congratulate the team and management for their tireless sacrifices and commitments towards the win in Hong Kong,” said Mr. Baravilala. FRU Sponsorship Officer Priya Cook also congratulated the team upon their arrival.
Digicel Fiji also rewarded Samisoni Viriviri with a Samsung Galaxy S3 for winning the ‘best and fairest player’ award at the Hong Kong 7s.
PRESS RELEASE