This Saturday, a competitive landscape will unfold as 28 teams are set to participate in the Super 7s Qualifier for the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament. The teams will be divided into seven pools, each vying for a chance to advance to the round of 16. Every match will be critical, as the top two teams from each pool will qualify for the next stage of the competition.
The structure of the tournament is designed to allow teams to earn their spot in the main Coral Coast 7s competition through skill and performance rather than pre-selection. Jay Whyte, founding chair of the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, emphasized the philosophy behind the qualifiers, stating, “We went back to where we started in the early days, and instead of cherry-picking or someone making an indicative decision as to who makes it, we said, let’s let the teams qualify themselves.”
The qualifiers will commence at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka at 8:30 am, with enthusiastic fans expected to support the teams. The pools consist of varied teams:
– Pool A features Devo Babas, Island Magic Daveta, Tubarua Highlanders, and C3 Brothers.
– Pool B includes Ratu Filise, Kesenavunivalu Rugby, Suva Stallions, and St Gabriel Nakavika.
– Pool C comprises Uso Tasi Rugby, Lami Cavaliers, Pegasus Rugby, and Yaro Chiefs.
– Pool D sees Covenant Rugby, Ravuka Sharks, Yalova Spearhead, and Dominion Brothers.
– Pool E consists of Flame Tree Waimanu, Tuva Rugby, Deii Westfield, and Lomaiviti.
– Pool F features Vacalea Young Boys, Taikita Brothers, Nahehevia Patriot, and Islanders Rugby.
– Pool G has Police Blue, Army Green, Wardens, and FSC Grassroots Fiji.
As the excitement builds around this tournament, the opportunity for up-and-coming teams to showcase their talents on a larger stage is particularly thrilling. The qualifiers not only celebrate the spirit of rugby but also pave the way for future stars to emerge, contributing to the rich tapestry of Fiji’s rugby heritage.
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