Fiji want to put smile on faces of cyclone-devastated compatriots

The fact that Fiji lead the Sevens World Series comes as no surprise. They are reigning champions and masters of the sport’s finer arts.

But the fact that they have been able to maintain their composure through the devastation that wrecked the island this past month sits in tribute to just what a remarkable group of men the Fijians have gathered.

When Tropical Cyclone Winston hit the islands around February 20 it left 44 dead and billions of dollars of damage behind. It was the biggest storm in history and every single person in Fiji was affected in some way, with more than 60,000 still homeless.

“The country is still very much doing all it can to get back to its feet,” said Fiji's English coach Ben Ryan. “A month on and there are still lots of power cuts as the national grid gets restored. Much of the hotel business is back up and running successfully but the villages in the north and many of the islands like Koro are still decimated and in huge need of help.

“It was a natural disaster of very significant proportions and it’s been a tragedy but the nation is very robust and have taken it all in their stride. Same for the players. Some lost their houses, others lost family businesses and all were affected in some way.”

Ryan and his team have touched down as they look to repeat their victory at last year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and add to the quite incredible collection of 15 titles in total. The fan favourites brought the house down last year, not allowing New Zealand a chance to get their game flowing as Fiji ran out 33-19 winners.