Fiji’s Ambassador to Washington Winston Thompson said that the Sevens team is a better brand for Fiji than the 15-man competition and Fiji has won the World Cup twice with Sevens.

While talking to Washington Correspondent Eddie Walsh of Diplomat Magazine in an interview, Thompson was asked what is Fiji doing to ensure that the team is more competitive in the future as it had a poor showing at this year’s World Cup.

Thompson replied that if Fiji did well in this World Cup, it would have had an impact.

However, he said almost the entire team that played at the World Cup plays their professional rugby fulltime overseas.

He said the fact that they are all playing overseas and they have good reputation in the places they play, especially Europe, Australia, and New Zealand - has an economic impact.

Thompson said that more Fijian players are being encouraged to play abroad and there is a lot of economic benefit that comes from the recognition of Fijians’ ability to play rugby.


Story by: Sneh Chaudhry