The Fiji Rugby Union is disappointed its nominees were overlooked at yesterday's World Rugby Awards ceremony in London and plan to express their concerns to the governing body.
The Fiji sevens team was nominated for team of the year, Ben Ryan for coach of the year and captain Osea Kolinisau for sevens player of the year, with the awards going to the All Blacks, Steve Hansen and Sebalo Sanatla respectively.
Gold medalists Fiji celebrate during the men’s rugby sevens medal ceremony during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 11, 2016. Photo: AFP/Pascal Guyot
In a statement, the FRU said while they respect the achievements of the All Blacks during 2016 they strongly believe the impact of Fiji winning back to back World Sevens Series titles and the Olympic gold medal in Rio had a far greater impact on the game of rugby globally.
"We believe that our sevens team, with the meagre resources available to them, have outperformed any other rugby team in 2016. The rugby world expects the All Blacks to do well every time because they have all resources available to them."
Ben Ryan issues instructions during his time as Fiji sevens coach. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The FRU also believed Osea Kolinisau deserved further recognition.
"The impact Osea Kolinisau has on the game of sevens in the last two seasons far out class any performance by Sebalo Sanatla and we are disappointed he was not awarded the sevens best player of the year."
The FRU said it was in the process of expressing its concerns and disappointment to World Rugby.
Fiji sevens captain Osea Kolinisau. Photo: AFP