Alana Thomas, High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby, lauded the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team for their significant progress in the HSBC Vancouver 7s, where they finished as runners-up. With a mix of experienced and new players, their journey reflects rapid development. Thomas expressed pride in their resilience and growth, as they aim to build on this success for future tournaments.
Alana Thomas, the High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby at Fiji Rugby Union, has praised the extraordinary development and performance of the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team during the HSBC Vancouver 7s. The team achieved a notable accomplishment by finishing as runners-up after being defeated by New Zealand 41-7 in the Women’s Cup final, marking a significant milestone in their progress.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Thomas emphasized the impressive growth since the beginning of the season, where only three players had HSBC series experience, and the team welcomed 22 new athletes to the Sevens program. “In three months and four tournaments, they’ve been able to reach a final for the first time in about three or four years,” Thomas remarked, highlighting their exceptional progress.
The Fijiana 7s exhibited remarkable resilience, particularly after facing setbacks in tournaments held in Dubai and Cape Town. Their performance steadily improved in Perth, leading to a strong showing in Vancouver, where they secured victories against Brazil and Japan en route to the Cup final. Thomas noted, “The players were a demonstration of growth, not just from tournament to tournament, but game on game.”
Thomas further emphasized the players’ capacity to learn and adapt, indicating the significant talent within the team. “I am super proud of the players, the staff, and the hard work they’ve put in,” she stated, acknowledging the dedication that has contributed to the team’s ongoing success.
As the team reflects on their achievements, their focus will remain on building upon this success in preparation for the remaining tournaments of the season.
In summary, Alana Thomas’s commendation of the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team underscores their noteworthy progress and resilience throughout the season. Their runner-up position in the HSBC Vancouver 7s and rapid development highlight the team’s potential. As they prepare for upcoming tournaments, continued support and opportunities will be vital for their growth on the world stage.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
