4 Mar 2016

Sport: Fiji 7s motivated to do well for people back home

12:24 pm on 4 March 2016

The Fiji sevens team say the added pressure to perform is nothing new to them leading into this weekend's tournament in Las Vegas.

The devastation caused by Cyclone Winston has weighed heavy on the minds of the Fiji team over the past fortnight.

Team Manager Ropate Kauvesi said it gives the team added motivation to do well in the USA, where they are attempting to retain their Las Vegas title and stay atop the overall World Series standings.

"We're going to go out and try and put a few smiles on the faces of our people here at home, knowing that the majority of the island won't be watching us on television. The pressure will always be around for the Fiji team travelling into any tournament because there's more room for motivation for us, knowing what our people are going through, and basically what we can give back to them. At the end of the day rugby is such a big thing in Fiji, especially sevens - for us it's more [reason] for motivation."

Fiji are pooled with Samoa, France and Argentina in Las Vegas.

The US Ambassador in Suva, Judith Cefkin, wishes the Fiji sevens team luck ahead of the Las Vegas tournament.

The US Ambassador in Suva, Judith Cefkin, wishes the Fiji sevens team luck ahead of the Las Vegas tournament. Photo: Facebook / US Embassy Suva