Twelve women’s teams are set to compete for the prestigious Na-Iri trophy at the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s in Sigatoka next week. The tournament promises to be an electrifying showcase, particularly in the Shangri-La Yanuca Island women’s division, especially with the addition of the New Zealand women’s 7s team, known to be strong contenders.
Tournament founder Jay Whyte noted that the New Zealand team is expected to be the favorite for the title, but they will face formidable opponents, notably the Mt Masada (Fijiana 7s) team, eager to bounce back after recent challenges. The Drua women’s 7s team is also anticipated to enhance the competition, adding an exciting layer of unpredictability.
Joining New Zealand, Mt Masada, and Drua are several other competitive teams, including Pacific Nomads, Lilian Amazon, Ezers Women’s, Tagimoucia Ranadi, Bilo Bar Aflame Women’s, Seahawks, Lava City Women’s Rugby – Savusavu, Tuva Rugby, and Kadavu women’s team.
Whyte expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event, highlighting how it allows the best teams from Fiji to challenge themselves against elite players from around the world. The tournament’s reputation is well-known across the global rugby community, as reflected in the extensive engagement on social media platforms.
In the previous year, Matakesi from New Zealand clinched the women’s title, with Mt Masada finishing as runners-up, setting a high standard for this year’s competition.
This tournament not only showcases incredible athletic talent but also fosters sportsmanship and cultural exchange among rugby teams internationally. With the growing interest and participation, events like the Coral Coast 7s serve as a vital platform for women in sports, promoting empowerment and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
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