FIJI 7S RUGBY FANS ROAD TO RIO AND BEYOND #1

This E-Book depicts the rise of the Fiji 7's Rugby Team over the last 4 years culminating in the Rio Olympics 2016. It is a souvenir for all Fiji 7's Rugby Fans in Fiji and overseas featuring all the various Fiji 7's Squads from 2012 - 2016. It also shows names and some pictures of past Fiji 7's players from the 70's, 80's and 90's who have donned the Fiji 7's Rugby Jersey with pride including Ilaitia Tuisese, Rupeni Ravonu, Robert Howard, Etuate Gusuivalu (Honda),Waisele Serevi "Maestro", Rauluni brothers, Tomasi Cama (Snr), Noa Nadruku, Luke Erenavula to name a few. The idea and vision behind writing this eBook commenced following the 2013 tournament at the "Mecca of Rugby 7's" Hong Kong where the Fiji 7's Rugby Team led by current captain courageous Osea Kolinisau staged a great comeback in the final to beat Wales. Fiji were behind 19 - 0 at half-time. Osea Kolinisau came on in the second half and the rest was history. Ko

This is a FREE eBook for all Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond who want to keep as a reference to the series leading up to and including the Rio Olympics. If ANY of you would like a copy, just email me and I will send you one to have and read. Request YOUR FREE COPY TODAY at E-mail: riksrugby7s@gmail.com Thank you. Marika Rika Owner Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

These are the dates and venues of the World Rugby Series. Notable change is the NZ 7s being moved to Hamilton following the Sydney 7s which will be a 3 day event. Besides this, the Commonwealth Games and Rugby 7s World Cup will be held next year at Gold Coast and San Francisco respectively. Wish the Fiji Team all the best and God Bless. GO FIJI GO Marika Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji beat Wales in the Trophy Challenge 26 - 14. Congratulations for the win and wish them well in the new season including the Commonwealth Games and World Cup next year. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Scotland created history in London by defeating NZ 24 - 21. Prior to this, Scotland have never beaten NZ in either 7's or 15's. Congratulations to Scotland. Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

NZ defeated Fiji 27 - 21 and has knocked Fiji out of the Cup QF tomorrow. With unforced errors and a knock on prior to Ormand's try NZ came out victorious in this close encounter between the 2 rivals. Credit to the Kiwi's for the win also for the Fiji debutants for the exposure and experience of playing in the world stage against NZ. Proud of the Fiji boys. All the best in the Trophy playoffs tomorrow. God Bless. GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Pools have been drawn for this weekend's London 7s. Fiji is pooled in a tough pool with NZ, Canada and Japan. They will need to treat every game as a final and win their pool games in order to qualify for the Cup QF. Wish the Fiji boys all the best and God Bless Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji has slipped to 3rd spot behind England after their loss in Paris over the weekend. They only had themselves to blame with numerous unforced errors and poor decision making. They will need to improve on their performance in London to reclaim their second spot. This is the best they can do after South Africa wrapped up the series in Paris. Wish the Fiji boys all the best and God Bless Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji lost to USA in the play-offs for 5th spot and has slipped to 3rd spot on the World Series Standing. Next stop is the London 7's this weekend. Hope they improve their performance and reclaim their 2nd spot - that's the best they can do with the series already wrapped up by South Africa. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji had an upset loss to Samoa in their first pool match but later thumped Russia 54 - 0 and defeated Australia 31 - 14. Fiji finished second in Pool D after Samoa won the top spot. Fiji will meet Scotland in the first Cup QF tonight at 8:28 pm (Fiji Time). Final team include: Osea Kolinisau, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Vatemo Ravouvou, Amenoni Nasilasila, Jasa Veremalua, Kailone Nasoko, Mesulame Kunavula, Setareki Bituniyata, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Paula Dranisinukula, Samu Bale and Glen Cakautini. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Canada who were beaten by Fiji in their Pool game went on to create history by winning Gold at the Singapore 7's earlier this morning. Congratulations to Canada who were deserved winners. Once again, Singapore 7's has been won by a team not in the top 4. Last year's tournament was won by Kenya who defeated Fiji in the final. Fiji remains on second spot behind South Africa with only 2 tournaments left in the series - Paris 7's and London 7's next month. Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7 s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji lost their 5th place play-off SF to South Africa 19 - 14. Fiji playing with only 6 players fought on bravely but it was no match for South Africa in the end. Proud of the Fiji boys. It's back to the drawing board and return a better team for the Paris and London 7's next month. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji lost their Cup QF match to a better USA side who deprived Fiji of possession and also to some average refs call. Final score: FIJI 19 USA 24. Fiji's tries were scored by Nacuqu, Vici and Katonibau. Proud of the Fiji team efforts and wish them well in their 5th place play-off to add to their series points. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Waisea Nacuqu scored a hat-trick and helped Fiji defeat Canada 35 - 7 in their last pool game to top Pool A. The other try scorers were: Kunavula and Mocenacagi. They have qualified for tomorrow's Cup QF. They will play the runner-up in Pool D - USA. Congrats to the Fiji boys. Wish them all the best and God Bless. GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji thumped Russia 38 - 7 in their second pool game. Tries for Fiji: Nasoko, Labalaba, Nasilasila (2), Kolinisau and Nacuqu. Congrats to the Fiji boys and wish them well in their last pool game against Canada. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji thumped Hong Kong 40 - 0 in their first pool game in Singapore. Tries by Fiji were scored by: Nacuqu (2), Labalaba, Kunavula, Nasilasila and Mocenacagi. Congrats to the Fiji boys and wish them well in their next 2 games later tonight. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS. Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji is top seed in Pool A at the Singapore 7's this weekend. They have been pooled alongside Canada, Russia and Hong Kong. Wish the Fiji boys all the best this weekend and God Bless. GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji came out firing in the final with all guns blazing thumping series leaders South Africa 22 - 0 and claiming the Hong Kong title for the 3rd year in a row. There was no other better place to stage their first win in this series than the 'Mecca of Rugby 7's' Hong Kong. Fiji were ruthless on both attack and defence, capitalising on South Africa's mistakes and converting opportunities into points. Congratulations to the Fiji boys for the win and Glory Be To God. GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Opportunities come once in a while and once it's gone, it's gone. ... Winning the Hong Kong 7's title let alone 3 years in a row is difficult for any team. Fiji is the only team that has done both. ... Fiji has won 3 years in a row in Hong Kong twice (90, 91, 92 and 97, 98, 99).  This is the perfect opportunity for the Fiji 7's team to repeat this and create history yet again. Should Fiji go through to the final, they will meet either NZ or SA. (most likely NZ). Fiji should grab this opportunity with both arms, put God first, stay focused, maintain discipline, enjoy every moment and glorify God. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji v Canada at 15:20 hrs (Fiji Time). GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji defeated NZ 17 - 14 to top Pool C. Waisea Nacuqu scored 2 tries and Vatemo Ravouvou 1. They have advanced into tomorrow's Cup QF where they will meet the runners-up in Pool B (most likely Canada). Congrats to the Fiji boys and wish them well. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji opened their Hong Kong 7s campaign with a win against japan 36 - 0. Congratulations to the Fiji boys. They play Wales today at 5:12 pm and NZ at 9:12 pm tonight (Fiji Time). Wish them well and God Bless !!! GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji 7's coach Baber has named his 13 players to defend the Hong Kong 7's title this weekend and make it 3 years in a row. The squad are as follows: 1. Apisai Domolailai 2. Jasa Veremalua 3. Mesulame Kunavula 4. Kalione Nasoko 5. Isake Katonibau 6. Sevuloni Mocenacagi 7. Jerry Tuwai 8. Osea Kolinisau 9. Vatemo Ravouvou 10. Amenoni Nasilasila 11. Waisea Nacuqu 12. Joeli Lutumailagi 13. Setareki Bituniyata Wish the boys all the best in their mission to defend the Hong Kong 7's Title and God Bless. GO FIJI GO !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Isake Katonibau and Jasa Veremalua have been re-called into the Vodafone Fiji 7s squad for the Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments. Dropped from the team: Samisoni Viriviri. Nemani Nagusa and Masivesi Dakuwaqa. SQUAD: Mesulame Kunavula, Kailone Nasoko, Setareki Bituniyata, Jasa Veremalua, Apisai Domolailai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Amenoni Nasilasila, Vatemo Ravouvou, Osea Kolinisau, Joeli Lutumailagi, Nacanieli Labalaba, Isake Katonibau. Wish the team all the best in Hong Kong and Singapore. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Vodafone Fiji 7s coach Gareth Baber could consider Pio Tuwai and Aisake Katonibau for the Hong Kong tournament. Tuwai and Katonibau are expected to march into camp today as they prepare for the Asian Leg. Fiji is in the same pool as Japan, Wales and New Zealand at the Hong Kong 7s which will be played from 7th to the 9th of April. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Eminoni Nasilasila, Pio Tuwai, Isake Katonibau and sprinter Banuve Tabakaucoro will appear in tomorrow's Marist 7s as they try and force their way into the Fiji squad to Hong Kong next month. Wish them all the best and God Bless. GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Former Fiji 7s forward Isake Katonibau who was dropped for the national squad after suffering a knee injury last year hopes to make a comeback this season. Known for his hard hitting tackles, Katonibau has been training with the Army rugby side in preparation for the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s.  The Marist 7s will be played on next Friday and Saturday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva. The Fiji 7's team really needs his service with hard hitting tackles, strong running and leadership. Hope he returns next month for Hong Kong. But the final decision is the coach's. GO FIJI GO !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Congrats to England for winning the Vancouver 7s. They have jumped to second spot, just 3 points ahead of Fiji. Next stop is Hong Kong next month. Fiji should win and retain Hong Kong if they need to stay in contention of retaining the world series title. Regroup and come back a better team next month. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji defeated USA for the Bronze medal 28 - 24 at the Vancouver 7s. Fiji improved from where they left off in the semi-final by opening up the game and less contact and deserved winners in the end. Congrats to the Fiji boys for winning Bronze. This win should hype the boys up going into Hong Kong next month and hopefully defend their title there. Proud of the Fiji boys efforts. GO FIJI GO !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji will play USA for Bronze and 17 valuable points. If Fiji wins and England loses to SA then Fiji and England will be 2nd on the series table. If England wins then they will get 2nd place and Fiji 3rd. Fiji v USA at 1:19 pm (Fiji Time) GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

England played to their strengths and capitalised on Fiji's mistakes to win by the biggest margin ever against Fiji on the series 40 - 7. Fiji played into the hands of the Englishmen by playing a more contact game rather than opening up the game. Full credit to England for being the better team on the day. Still proud of the Fiji boys. Fiji will now need to focus on the 3rd place play-off to remain in the top 3 on the ladder. Wish them well in the 3rd place play-off against USA. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji picked up from the loss to Argentina yesterday to beat Australia in their Cup QF match 28 - 10. Fiji advance to the Cup SF and will meet England who defeated NZ in their Cup QF. Fiji v England at 10:30 am (Fiji Time) Congrats to the Fiji boys and wish them all the best in the semi-final. GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji v Australia tomorrow morning at 7:14 am (Fiji Time) GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Despite Fiji's loss to Argentina 26 - 24, Fiji still top Pool B and have qualified for tomorrow's Cup QF. They will meet Australia in the last of the Cup QF at 7:14 am (Fiji Time). The loss to Argentina could be a blessing in disguise for the Fiji boys. History reveals that when Fiji lose on the first day, they go on to win the tournament. BELIEVE Fiji will win the Vancouver 7's. All the best and God Bless. GO FIJI GO !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji fought off a tough Samoan side beating them 19 - 12 just seconds from full-time. After the final whistle Samoa were denied a try in the corner thanx to a "freakish" push from behind by Nacuqu. Congratulations to the Fiji boys and credit to Samoa too for an awesome performance. Fiji play Argentina in their last Pool game at 1:52 pm (Fiji Time). Wish Fiji all the best and God Bless. GO FIJI GO !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji opened their campaign in Vancouver with a win over Wales 34 - 19. They scored 4 tries in the first half - Nasoko (2), Veitokani & Kunavula and 2 tries in the second half - Nagusa and Nacuqu. Congrats to the Fiji boys and wish them well in their next games against Samoa at 10:12 am and Argentina at 1:52 pm (Fiji Time). GO FIJI GO and GOD BLESS !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Alivereti Veitokani has been named in the 12 member squad for the Vancouver 7s this weekend. Fiji squad: 1. Apisai Domolailai 2. Setareki Bituniyata 3. Nemani Nagusa 4. Masivesi Dakuwaqa 5. Mesulame Kunavula 6. Kalioni Nasoko 7. Jerry Tuwai 8. Osea Kolinisau (Captain) 9. Alivereti Veitokani 10. Vatemo Ravouvou 11. Waisea Nacuqu 12. Samisoni Viriviri Nacanieli Labalaba is the 13th man. Coach Baber has dropped Sevuloni Mocenacagi from his list as he serves a three match suspension and speedster Joeli Lutumailagi was not considered after sustaining a knee injury in Las Vegas last weekend. The Vancouver 7s kick off tomorrow. Fiji’s first match is against Wales at 6.36am tomorrow after which we play Samoa at 10.12am. The team’s last match is against Argentina at 1.52pm. Wish the Fiji boys all the best and God Bless. GO FIJI GO !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Jerry Tuwai and Mesulame Kunavula were named in the Las Vegas Dream Team along with Koroi, Forbes, Barrett, Specman and Anderson. Vatemo Ravouvou was named the DHL Impact Player for Las Vegas 7s. Meanwhile, Fiji has been drawn with Argentina, Samoa and Wales in Pool B for the Canada 7's next weekend. Wish the Fiji boys all the best and God Bless !!! GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji lost to South Africa 19 - 12 in a close game at the Las Vegas 7's Final. South Africa's first try was a mile forward with the help of the strong wind, however, that was ref's call. Despite the loss Fiji has moved up to second spot on the world series table. Proud of the boys efforts. Wish the Fiji boys all the best in Canada next week. GO FIJI GO and God Bless !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji v South Africa in Las Vegas Cup Final. Kick-off: 1 pm (Fiji Time) GO FIJI GO and God Bless !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji came from behind to beat NZ in the Cup Semi-final 19 - 14. They have advanced to the Final and will meet current series leaders SA. Kick-off: 1 pm (Fiji Time) Injury concern to captain Osea Kolinisau. Wish the Fiji boys all the best and God Bless !!! GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji defeated Canada in the Cup QF 31 - 12 and now progress to the Cup SF. They will meet the NZ in the 2nd of the Cup Semi-finals tomorrow at 10:06 am (Fiji Time). Wish the Fiji boys all the best and God Bless !!! GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji defeated a courageous Aussie side 24 - 17 to remain unbeaten and finish top of Pool D. Tries were scored by Kunavula,Ravouvou, Nasoko and Viriviri. They have advanced to the Cup QF later today where they will meet runners up in Pool A (France, Canada or Wales). Kick-off at 4:16 pm (Fiji Time) Congrats to the Fiji boys and wish them well in the Cup QF. GO FIJI GO and God Bless !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji defeated Scotland in their second pool game 24 -12. Fiji led 10 - 5 at halftime (Tries: Lutumailagi and Ravouvou). Kunavula extended Fiji's lead in the second half before Scotland closed the gap to 5. Tuwai scored a scintillating try to put Fiji beyond doubt beating Scotland 24 - 12. Congrats to the Fiji boys. They will play their last pool game tomorrow against Australia at 9:50 am (Fiji Time). Wish the boys all the best and God Bless !!! GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7s Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji started their campaign at the USA 7's with an impressive win against Japan 41 - 0. Fiji led 19 - 0 at halftime following tries to Nasoko, Kunavula and Ravouvou. They extended their lead in the second half with tries to Lutumailagi, Viriviri, and Mocenacagi. Fiji play Scotland next at 3:08 pm (Fiji Time). Congrats to the Fiji boys and wish them well in their next game. GO FIJI GO and God Bless !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Masivesi Dakuwaqa and Apisai Domolailai have been named in the Fiji 7's squad for the next leg of the World Series after missing the last 2 tournaments. The following players have been selected for the next leg (Las Vegas and Vancouver 7's): 1. Masivesi Dakuwaqa 2. Mesulame Kunavula 3. Sevuloni Mocenacagi 4. Nemani Nagusa 5. Apisai Domolailai 6. Kalione Nasoko 7. Setareki Butuniyata 8. Jerry Tuwai 9. Waisea Nacuqu 10. Vatemo Ravouvou 11. Alivereti Veitokani 12. Osea Kolinisau (Captain) 13. Samisoni Viriviri 14. Joeli Lutumilagi The Las Vegas tournament starts next Saturday. Fiji is pooled with Australia, Scotland and Japan. Wish the team all the best and God Bless Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Even though Fiji finished 5th at the Sydney 7's Tournament, they are still top 3 on the series table. They still have a chance to win the series with 6 more tournaments remaining. Back to the drawing board and return a better side for the next leg at Las Vegas (USA 7's) and Vancouver (Canada 7's). Wish the Fiji boys all the best in the remaining tournaments. GO FIJI GO and God Bless !!! Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji finished on a high defeating USA 35 - 12 in the play-off for fifth spot. They have added 13 points to their tally on the series table and this should keep them on the top 3 spot. Congrats to the Fiji boys. GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond

Fiji bounced back following the disappointing loss to NZ to beat Argentina 38 - 21. They will next play the winner between USA and Wales in the playoff for 5th place (13 points on offer) Congrats to the Fiji boys. Wish them all the best and God Bless !!! GO FIJI GO Mark Rika Owner Fiji 7's Rugby Fans Road To Rio and Beyond