Former New Zealand Sevens representative and prominent commentator, Karl Te Nana, has lauded the Coral Coast Sevens as the premier provincial rugby sevens tournament in the world. He commended the event for its remarkable growth, high caliber of competition, and its profound connection to the Fijian culture and community.
Te Nana believes that the tournament has evolved to a level deserving of international recognition, even proposing that it could serve as a strong candidate for inclusion in a future World Sevens Series framework. He praised the quality of the teams, the enthusiasm of the audience, and the distinctive rugby culture that makes the Coral Coast Sevens a standout event compared to similar competitions worldwide.
“I’ve traveled extensively, and I genuinely think this is the best provincial rugby sevens event ever. It enhances in quality every year, the level of competition keeps rising, and the local community passionately supports their tournament,” Te Nana expressed.
The commentator shared his personal bond with Fiji, which has been shaped through years of intense on-field competition against the national squad and deep, lasting friendships formed off the pitch. “I share a spiritual connection with this place. The community here embraces the history of sevens; they are familiar with every player, from village teams to international fixtures,” he said.
Te Nana attributed the tournament’s success to the unwavering dedication of sponsors and volunteers, many of whom participate purely out of love for the sport. Each passing year, the Coral Coast Sevens solidifies its reputation as a top rugby event, celebrating Fiji’s entrenched passion for the game while drawing admiration from around the globe. The event not only highlights the excitement of rugby sevens but also reflects the vibrant culture and community spirit of Fiji.
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