A team made up of players from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will participate in the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens scheduled for January. This announcement was made today in Sigatoka by the Fijian Drua and the tournament organizers.
Chairman of the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens Organising Committee, Jay Whyte, expressed excitement about welcoming Fiji’s first professional rugby franchise, the Drua, to the prominent 7s tournament in the southern hemisphere. He mentioned the anticipation of seeing the Drua compete against top teams from Fiji and around the world during the three-day event from January 16 to 18, 2025.
Glen Jackson, Head Coach of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, highlighted the significance of the Coral Coast 7s tournament and the opportunity to present a competitive Drua team. He pointed out that fans will have the chance to see their favorite Drua players alongside members of the Drua Development team, eager to showcase their skills.
Jackson noted that this event allows the team to test their abilities, mainly honed in 15s rugby, against some of the best 7s players in the nation. He emphasized the support for the tournament, which helps elevate rugby talents who can excel in both 7s and 15s formats.
He also expressed gratitude to Mark Evans for being receptive to their proposal to enter a Drua Sevens team in the 2025 Coral Coast Sevens. Additionally, he acknowledged the support from newly appointed head coach Glen Jackson for involving the squad in this significant event. Jackson noted the remarkable support the Drua receives from the Fijian people, with 55% of the nation tuning in to watch their games.
The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is the most popular tournament in the country, featuring leading local and international teams. It will take place from January 16-18 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. The event’s stature is further enhanced by the participation of renowned rugby figures, as past tournaments have seen legends like Waisale Serevi, the late Jonah Lomu, Rasta Rasivhenge, George Gregan, Bryan Habana, and Dan Norton in attendance, some of whom are commemorated in Sigatoka’s ‘Rugby Town Walk of Fame’.