Great Eight could return to the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, with organisers weighing a qualifying tournament to decide which local clubs earn a spot in the main event. With only 16 men’s teams to be selected, overseas interest is driving fierce competition for places. Founding chair Jay Whyte says the record $50,000 winner’s prize has sparked unprecedented global demand.
“Just because of that introduction of the $50,000, it’s opened Pandora’s box. We’re working with some of the national teams that play in the World Series, and we’ll be making a few announcements soon as to which international teams will be joining us,” Whyte said.
The organiser noted that teams from as far as France and England are lining up to compete, alongside World Series regulars. For Fiji’s local clubs, the revival of the Great Eight offers a chance to fight their way to “the big dance” with the richest purse in the tournament’s history on the line.
The event is traditionally staged at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka in January, and past editions have drawn both local fan support and international interest. The push for a qualifying format would give local clubs a clearer pathway into the main draw while maintaining the tournament’s prestige on the global sevens calendar. The growing international attention underscores the Coral Coast Sevens’ appeal as a platform for homegrown talent to shine against top global teams, a development that’s welcomed by Fiji’s rugby community.
Key takeaways:
– Great Eight return possibility for the Coral Coast Sevens
– 16 men’s teams to be chosen for the main event
– Record $50,000 prize attracting global interest
– International teams from France, England, and World Series regulars being considered
– Qualification route being explored to balance local pathways with big-event competition
Summary: The Coral Coast Sevens is poised to elevate its profile again, potentially introducing a local qualifying tournament to supplement a tightly contested 16-team main draw. With a record prize and growing international interest, the event promises high-stakes rugby and a showcase for Fiji’s talent on an international stage.
Positive note: The ongoing efforts to elevate the tournament’s format, prize, and international participation bode well for Fiji’s rugby ecosystem, offering local clubs a clear route to the spectacle and a bright future for sevens on the world stage.
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