Families, dignitaries and friends gathered at the Centenary Church in Suva today to farewell the Flying Fijians team to the rugby world cup in New Zealand.

Sports Minister Filipe Bole during his farewell speech said they should not be discouraged by the defeat to Tonga and to focus on improving their performance come world cup.

Bole said a well prepared team will always win and wished them all the best.

Acting CEO of Fiji Rugby Union Pio Bosco Tikoisuva said the team knows how important it is for the people of Fiji for them to do well.

The team leaves for New Zealand next week.

Fiji is in the same pool with Namibia, Samoa, South Africa and Wales.

They play their first pool game on September 10th against Namibia.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso