Team Fiji sent back to school.

The Fiji rugby team has been sent back to school, in a fantastic initiative some of the stars of today went to mingle with the emerging fans of Fiji. First stop was Namaka Primary School; waiting was over 300 kids sitting in nicely formed lines to see their heroes.

Gleaming with the rousing reception was Fiji Captain Kele Leawere and a few of his hard men forwards. Today the tough guys got a full experience of a rising occasion, the noise levels and genuine excitement of the youth to see them was truly moving. At times it was deafening as the School headmaster started a question and answer session to win tickets to the test match. Arms were flying up to be selected to answer and win, they don’t get this keenness in the math’s room, but today it was 100% attention on the proceedings.

Boys and girls seemed very keen to get a piece of the team, 5 of the Flying Fijians walked into the grasslands and they were mobbed good and proper. So much so that Netani Talei said “I have never been mugged before in my life.” He is used to loosies flying at him around the rucks, but today he had about 50 little loosies all wanting the free match tickets in his hands. His answer was to throw them at them and save himself.

After this mauling the Fijians all jumped in their team bus and drove to another part of Nadi called Sabeto, this is a bit more remote and a place that normally would not be on the visit list. 173 super excited souls plus their teachers were waiting, out rocked the Fiji team and it was another mighty reception.

The team was plonked in seats in front of the school who were all sitting on the grass, as they sat down the little people stood up & sung a heart felled national anthem. Arms on their hearts & plenty of passion in their eyes, they looked up at the Fiji boys & sang beautifully. Next on the hospitality agenda was the Cibi- Fiji’s war dance. About 15 kids launched into a rousing challenge and the grins from Kele and the boys receiving this treat was priceless. In real Fijian style little kids walked up and sat on this big men’s laps and they too shared on the experience.

Once again they had question and answer sessions to win free tickets to the next match, the boys were flicking them to who they felt should be there and in the end there were so many happy people. Out came vivid markers and the school uniforms were being signed, Fiji flags were also getting the signatures and the whole occasion was like a party.

The team then drove away very happy men; they stopped at bus stops and shopping centers to spread more of the free ticket love. People were racing to them and were over the moon to be in a comfy seat for the big test match tomorrow. The Fiji team has shared an amazing spirit of rugby with their home supporters, but more importantly for them is the fact that they will have been lifted beyond belief at how much they are adored.

Talking to Anthony Wise on the bus ride home he said “What an amazing experience, man they asked the kids who wanted to be a Flying Fijian and even the girls put their hands up, that is awesome.”