The Coral Coast Sevens tournament will return to its traditional format for the men’s final, with matches consisting of two 10-minute halves. Jay Whyte, the Chair and Founder of the Coral Coast Sevens Organising Committee, confirmed this change during a recent media conference.
The tournament is set to take place at Lawaqa Park from January 16-18, offering free entry to all spectators, allowing anyone from Fiji to attend and enjoy the games at no cost. This initiative aims to create a unique and accessible experience for rugby fans.
Whyte emphasized the committee’s commitment to differentiating the Coral Coast Sevens from other local events. He noted the success of the all-star ambassador team in 2024 that sparked considerable interest and hinted at a similar initiative for 2025, with details to be announced soon.
Team registration for the upcoming 2025 event has already closed due to an overwhelming response, with participants not only from Fiji but also from international teams. Notably, a team from the Caribbean has committed to the 2026 tournament, showcasing the global appeal of the event.
For the 2025 edition of the tournament, 16 youth teams will participate, including representatives from Sacramento, Nauru Youth, and Sunnybank Australia, alongside the strongest youth team from Fiji.
The men’s division will feature a total of 16 teams, with half hailing from international backgrounds and the other half from local talent. Fans can anticipate compelling matches, particularly with competitions set to include top teams from New Zealand, the Fiji 7s, and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua 7s.
With more exciting announcements on the way, Whyte expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead for the tournament in January, promising fans an event filled with competitive spirit and innovation.
This year’s addition of free entry and international participation illustrates a positive trend for sports events in Fiji, fostering community involvement and enhancing the competitive landscape.
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