The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will participate in the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, set to take place in January. This announcement was made jointly today by representatives from the Fijian Drua and the tournament organizers in Sigatoka.
The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s is recognized as the country’s premier rugby tournament, showcasing top local teams alongside international competitors. The event draws significant attention from rugby fans, bolstered by the presence of distinguished rugby figures.
Previous tournaments have featured legends such as Waisale Serevi, the late Jonah Lomu, Rasta Rasivhenge, George Gregan, Bryan Habana, and Dan Norton, who are honored on Sigatoka’s Rugby Town Walk of Fame.
Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “The Coral Coast 7s is a wonderful tournament, and it’s great for us to field a good Drua team in the competition.” He added that fans will enjoy seeing beloved Drua players compete alongside members of the Drua Development team.
Jackson highlighted the opportunity for his players, primarily skilled in 15s rugby, to test their abilities against some of the finest 7s players in the region. He affirmed the team’s commitment to supporting the tournament, which showcases emerging rugby talents.
Jay Whyte, Chairman of the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens Organising Committee, expressed excitement about having Fiji’s first professional rugby franchise, the Drua, involved in the prestigious 7s tournament. He thanked Mark Evans for his support during the 2024 event and acknowledged the backing of Coach Glen Jackson.
The Drua’s participation is a reflection of their popularity, with 55% of Fijians tuning in to watch their matches, which underscores their significant fan base. Whyte looked forward to seeing how the Drua team performs against top competition from Fiji and around the world during the three-day event in January 2025.
The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is scheduled for January 16-18 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.