The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens final will return to the traditional format of 10-minute halves, a change confirmed by Jay Whyte, the Chair and Founder of the Coral Coast Sevens Organising Committee, during a recent press conference. This alteration aligns the men’s final with its historic structure, ensuring an exciting and fast-paced game for both players and spectators.
Slated for January 16-18 at Lawaqa Park, the tournament will offer free entry, allowing fans from across Fiji to come and enjoy the event without any cost. Whyte emphasized that this approach creates a unique experience for attendees. He added that the competition strives to differentiate itself from other local events by continuously innovating and capturing fan interest.
Looking ahead, Whyte announced plans for a special ambassador all-star team for 2024, which garnered significant attention, with similar initiatives expected for 2025. The demand for team registrations for the upcoming event has surpassed expectations, closing earlier than anticipated due to an influx of interest from both local and international teams, including confirmation from a Caribbean team for the 2026 tournament.
For the 2025 edition, 16 youth teams have already been confirmed, showcasing a blend of local talent and international participation from teams such as Sacramento, Nauru Youth, and Sunnybank Australia, among others. The men’s division will showcase 16 teams, with a mix of eight local and eight international competitors. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, including a chance to see New Zealand’s leading team pitted against the Fiji 7s and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua 7s teams.
Further exciting announcements are anticipated in the coming weeks, hinting at even more star power for the January tournament, according to Whyte.
This initiative not only emphasizes the Coral Coast Sevens’ commitment to maintaining its unique and entertaining format but also highlights the growing interest in rugby sevens both regionally and internationally. The prospects of international teams joining the tournament underscores the appeal and influence of Fiji’s rugby scene, paving the way for a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and athleticism in 2025.
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