HSBC Singapore Rugby 7s: Fiji aiming for success in Singapore

Kalione Nasoko (left) of Fiji lifts his teammate Osea Kolinisau during the Cup Final against South Africa at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Tournament on April 9. PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE - Fresh off their first title win at this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, Fiji is confident that winning last weekend's Hong Kong Sevens is a sign that they are on the right track for more success at the Singapore leg of the series this weekend.

The Olympic champions' last World Series win came at the last edition of the Hong Kong Sevens.

Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau told The Straits Times on Wednesday (April 12): "We're pretty stoked about winning last week but we know there's another challenge at the Singapore Sevens, and most teams will want to learn from their mistakes last week and are gunning for the title.

"But we've got a lot of energy ... the mood has been relaxed and we're just trying to get our bodies and minds right for this weekend."

The 31-year-old was speaking on the sidelines of a rugby 7s clinic at the OCBC Arena, organised by the Singapore Rugby Union in support of SportCares Foundation. Fiji Airways was a key partner for the clinic.

Apart from the Fiji rugby sevens team, World Rugby ambassadors Willie Lose and Karl Te Nana were also present at the clinic, which saw fifty local and international students from SportCares' school partners participate.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu was the event's guest of honour.

She said: "Sport has the ability to inculcate important values in our youths. Through rugby, our youths develop character, resilience and teamwork. I'm happy to note that SportCares has been introducing rugby to our youths, and making a positive impact on their lives.

"I'm sure this rugby clinic, held with world-class champions from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens, will be a memorable and valuable experience for our youths."

The HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens will take place at the National Stadium on April 15 and 16.

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