Fiji clinched Bronze in mixed touch rugby, overcoming Cook Islands 12-5 at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara’s DC Park today.
This win is Fiji’s first mixed touch rugby medal in two decades, dating back to their Gold triumph at the 2003 Games in Suva.
The Bronze play-off was their second meeting in the mixed competition, following their match-up in the round robin matches. The Cooks won that game by the same margin.
Team manager Revoni Vamohi spoke highly pf the team.”We have a mix of experienced and young talents. After a heavy 12-5 loss to Cook Islands yesterday and a semifinal defeat against Papua New Guinea, the team was eager for redemption,” Vamohi said. “Proud of the players, we’re glad they stuck to their training, learning from mistakes in the semifinal and pool stages.
“Up 5-3 at halftime against Cook Islands, Fiji secured the win with a 12-5 score, scoring seven tries in the second half.
“We started well, lifted our game, and at halftime, we urged them to maintain that level in the second half,” Vamohi added. “With a lot of young players, the future looks bright for Touch Rugby in Fiji. I’m confident that in the next four years, these players will leave their mark at the upcoming Pacific Games.”
This Bronze in the mixed team adds to Fiji’s success on the Touch Rugby pitch, joining the Bronze victories in the Men’s and Women’s categories.
