Rugby legend Collins Injera has been appointed as the official ambassador of the McDonald's Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament set to take place from January 12 to 14, 2023.
As an ambassador, the second-ranked all-time top scorer of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series he will travel to and stay in Fiji for one week. His itinerary will involve meeting fans as well as being part of the McDonald’s Rugby Skills Clinic for aspiring rugby players.
Speaking after announcing Injera's appointment, tournament Director Jay Whyte said the event - which is making a comeback since COVID-19 struck the globe - will be bigger and better thanks to the presence of Injera.
“All the rugby greats who accept the invitation to be FCC7s brand ambassadors are legends in their own right and we work very hard with multiple local partners for months to make their visit possible. It is a great privilege to be able to bring Collins Injera and continue the trend of having a brand ambassador who will inspire. I think we all need and deserve some exciting international rugby and FCC7s 2023 will do that,” Whyte said.
The organisers also revealed that Injera will unveil his own plaque on Sigatoka, a town regarded by Fijians as the ultimate rugby town. According to Fijians, Sigatoka, located in Nadroga province has produced a number of rugby union stars hence the title; RugbyTown Walk of Fame.
"The town has produced players such as Waisale Serevi, David Campese, Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala, Jonah Lomu, DJ Forbes, Karl Tenana, Lote Tuqiri,George Gregan and Rupeni Caucau," reads a statement on the event's website.
“Teams who take part in this tournament endure huge challenges to be able to compete in what is the biggest and possibly hardest tournament in the region so it is very exciting to be able to make it worthwhile for these players to be able to meet and hear the Collins Injera story from the man himself,” Whyte said.
Reacting to his appointment, Injera expressed how excited he was to witness the huge talent pool that Fiji has to offer. The speedster specifically pointed out how thrilled he was to interact with homegrown players.
“I mean, it's one of those places you'd love to witness the sevens game being played and see all the local talent you guys have. I mean, from the stories we hear, you have a massive pool of local guys who play very good, very good sevens. So for me when that opportunity came it was just one of those things you always hear about and want to know where it came from, I mean the passion is big in Fiji,” said Injera.
Aside from rugby, the Mwamba RFC star is also looking forward to exploring the numerous beaches that Fiji has to offer. “But just coming to Fiji to see that it's a beautiful nation; I've seen flyers of Fiji and the beaches look amazing so it's always one of those places I would also love to visit.”
Questioned on whether he knows how much, Fijians love him, the 2009 Sportsman of the Year said he had no clue but was now eager to find out whether the rumour is true or not.
“So they always tell me you don't know how much you are known in Fiji one day, you should make a point of coming to Fiji. That is amazing and it's one of those things that I've always wanted to do, to come here and see for myself so yeah I'm pretty excited,” stated the 2016 Singapore Sevens champion.
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