WATCH: Fiji players flex their musical talents in tribute to their World Cup hosts

Jared Wright
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Welcome ceremony for the Fiji team at base camp on the occasion of the Rugby World Cup, cap presentations, medals and gifts, songs and dances, meetings and signings.

Fiji players at their welcoming ceremony.

Fiji rugby players are renowned for their outrageous skills on the pitch, but they are certainly a talented bunch off it, too.

Simon Raiwalui’s charges touched down in Lormont earlier this week ahead of the Rugby World Cup and are quickly becoming favorites with the locals.

Teams have been attending welcoming and capping ceremonies ahead of the tournament, and Fiji players took up the opportunity to pay tribute to their hosts.

They flexed their musical talents for those in attendance as they sang for those present at the ceremony – a truly wholesome moment.

Fiji top the ranks in Pool C

Fiji heads into the Rugby World Cup ranked seventh in the world, their highest-ever ranking.

The Pacific Islanders defeated England in their final warm-up match ahead of the tournament, which means they are also the top-ranked side in Pool C.

“It changes nothing for us,” head coach Raiwalui told reporters. “We haven’t thought about the rankings.

“We’ve been taking it one game at a time. Since the preparation started, we had a goal of improving every week.

“The objective and goal doesn’t change.”

 

Fiji’s Rugby World Cup squad

Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira , Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata
Backs: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese

Fiji’s Rugby World Cup Pool C fixtures

Sunday 10 September Wales v Fiji – 8 p.m., Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (RFU), Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO:  Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

Sunday September 17 Australia v Fiji – 4.45pm, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (SARU), Chris Busby (IRFU)
TMO:  Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

Saturday 30 September Fiji v Georgia – 4.45 pm, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (SARU), Pierre Brousset (FFR)
TMO:  Tom Foley (RFU)

Sunday 8 October Fiji v Portugal – 8 pm, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (SARU), Pierre Brousset (FFR)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse

READ MORE: Rugby World Cup Pool C Preview: Squads, fixtures, star players and more

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