The Fiji rugby team, known as the Flying Fijians, were officially welcomed to the Western Bay of Plenty late this afternoon in a private ceremony at Huria Marae.
Ngai Tamarawaho - representing local iwi - plus local dignitaries and invited guests welcomed the 30-man Fijian rugby team, along with coaching and management staff to the Judea marae at 4pm today.
The Fijian rugby team wore navy blue suits with light blue shirts with a blue and silver stripped tie.
After an initial welcome from Morehu Ngatoko and speeches from Tauranga City Council deputy Mayor David Stewart and Rugby World Cup representatives, the Fijian team replied with a song that resonated loud and strong inside Huria Marae.
Captain Deacon Manu, former Kiwi and Chiefs player, addressed his team, dignitaries from local iwi and invited guests and thanked everyone for the receptive welcome.
Following the formalities, the Flying Fijians took part in the official Rugby World Cup 2011 capping ceremony before having a team photograph at the front of Huria marae.
The official welcoming ceremony ended about 5.30pm.
The Fijian rugby team arrived in Auckland on August 29 to a crowd of more than a hundred supporters. They were the first team to arrive in New Zealand ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which runs from September 9 to October 23.
Until this week, the Fijian rugby team has spent time in Whakatane, at a pre-tournament camp, in preparation for their first Rugby World Cup match against Namibia at the Rotorua International Stadium on September 10.
Tauranga welcomes Flying Fijians (+ photos)
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