The Fijiana 15s side was accorded the traditional ceremony of ‘qaloqalovi’ by Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at State House yesterday.
The ‘qaloqalovi’ is a significant iTaukei ceremony accorded to someone who has returned home after being away for duty.
In a moving ceremony, Ratu Wiliame thanked the team for defying the odds and giving their best.
“You went from being at 21 to 16 then to 9. With the little you had you used what God has naturally given you to compete against teams that have everything,” the president said.
“You are very special to Fiji and you’re being accorded this special ceremony because you have shown us through humility and hard work that you are the best. The Fijiana is my team. Keep up the wonderful work.”
In their first RWC outing, the Fijiana lost two matches and won one in their pool matches – lost 19-84 and 44-0 to number one-ranked England and fourth-ranked France respectively, and won over South Africa 21-17, to go from 21 in the World Rugby standings to 16 upon their exit.
Photo Courtesy: Lusi Banuve
