A heartfelt interview with players inside the Fiji camp has been released as part of the Sky Rugby Club programme earlier this week.
Tears were shed by Nemani Nadolo and Manasa Mataele as they detailed the hardships felt by the squad, who are currently living inside a Covid-19 bubble for their Test matches against the All Blacks.
Some members of the Fiji squad who play in Europe have been away from their families since the outbreak of the virus and it’s clearly taking its toll on the players in camp.
The interviews go on to discuss the ongoing struggles in Fiji as the country suffers not only from Covid-19 but a financial crisis too.
One inspiring story to come out of last weekend’s Test against New Zealand was that the parents of Fiji flanker Johnny Dyer climbed a mountain in order to get an internet connection so they could watch their son play the All Blacks in Dunedin.
Fiji lost the opening Test 57-23 but will play the three-time world champions again this Saturday.
Ahead of this weekend’s Test it was also announced that the Fiji side will wear shirts bearing the words “Vaccinate Fiji” after the decision had been previously opposed by some players last week.
Fiji chief executive John O’Connor told Stuff magazine midweek that the decision had been made to don the new kit against the All Blacks in Hamilton.
“We have listened to the concerns raised by some members of the squad regarding the message, and the perspective that individuals have different choices when it comes to vaccination.
“In turn, we explained Fiji Rugby Union’s position and support for the vaccination programme in Fiji, which will help save lives and assist our health authorities in the fight against the Covid-19 outbreak.”
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