Fiji’s Olympic and 2016 Hong Kong champions immortalised in new seven-dollar banknote
Rio-winning coach Ben Ryan also has a 50-cent coin dedicated to his achievements as Fiji’s Reserve Bank celebrates the country’s success in sevens rugby
Less than two weeks after skipper Osea Kolinisau lifted the HSBC/Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sevens trophy, his image has been immortalised in a new seven-dollar banknote the Fijian government issued on Thursday to celebrate its rugby sevens team.
Kolinisau is depicted running in full flight over the backdrop of a Fijian flag with coach Ben Ryan pictured in what is now his iconic seated position taken from the top of one of the sand dunes the players use to run up during training for big events.
The F$7 (HK$26) note is legal tender and celebrates the Fiji team’s epic journey to Olympic Games gold at Rio de Janeiro last year. Fiji scored a 43-7 triumph over Great Britain in the Olympic final eight months ago fielding almost the same team who won the Hong Kong Sevens in 2016.
“[It] just shows you how much the Fijian people care and value its rugby. Awesome,” said Ryan, who attended the unveiling ceremony led by Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama in Suva.
The reverse side of the note is dominated by a picture of the entire Fijian Olympic sevens squad. The Reserve Bank of Fiji also issued a commemorative 50-cent coin that shows Ryan in his seated position.
