SEVENS coach Mike Friday has praised the local teams that took part in the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s, which concluded recently. Speaking about the tournament, Friday, who coached his team sponsored by McDonald’s, highlighted the remarkable skill and talent displayed by the participants, particularly noting the grand final matchup between the Yaro Chiefs and the Ravuka Sharks, both local teams.
“The local teams are phenomenal; the final featured two teams that truly deserve their place,” Friday remarked. He emphasized that this showcases Fiji’s vast strength and depth in rugby talent. “Fiji has the richest resource in the world due to the abundance of quality and talented players,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the sporting competitions, Friday expressed gratitude for the hospitality he experienced from local communities during his visits. “The highlight for me was not just the rugby, but visiting the communities and villages on Monday. It was an enriching experience that I will cherish forever,” he noted.
Reflecting on the tournament, Friday’s team faced a narrow defeat, losing 14-12 to the Ravuka Sharks in the cup semi-final. Despite the loss, he felt his team performed well under challenging conditions. “We controlled the ball effectively in the first half, creating and scoring some impressive tries. Unfortunately, we faced a bit of ill-discipline, including a yellow card for throwing the ball away and tackling after the whistle,” he explained.
Friday’s squad included notable players such as American Perry Baker, Irish talent Jordan Conroy, and former Fiji 7s player and Olympic gold medalist Semi Kunatani, underscoring the diverse talent present in the tournament. Overall, the event not only highlighted Fiji’s rugby prowess but also its commitment to community and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.
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