Nawaka 7s Tournament: Will Army Defend Their Title?

Defending champions Army are set to kick off their title defense at the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s tournament, which begins tomorrow across three venues in Nadi. This tournament is one of the largest rugby events in the local calendar, and its significance is reflected in the excitement it generates.

Today, captains from various teams, including men’s, youth, and women’s, gathered for a photo shoot, signaling their readiness for the competition. Last year, Army secured the championship by defeating Navy 20-5 in the finals, and they are eager to achieve a similar result this year, despite being placed in a challenging pool. Competing in pool six, Army, known as DXC Army Green, will face off against Golden Eagles, Boutolu Babas, and FSC Grassroots Fiji.

Team captain Inia Tawalo, who previously represented Fiji in the 7s circuit, recognized the difficulties ahead but conveyed confidence in the team’s preparation. “For us, it’s a huge task ahead of us. We’ve come prepared; we don’t count any team as a small team, we respect them, but we’ll try and play a good game,” Tawalo said.

This year’s Nawaka 7s tournament is expected to elevate the excitement to new heights, with a record-breaking number of 104 teams participating, reflecting the increasing interest in grassroots rugby in Fiji. Tournament Coordinator Jeff Tamata noted that 64 teams will contend in the men’s category, while youth and women’s divisions will also showcase their talents. This event serves not only as a platform for emerging players but also emphasizes rugby’s pivotal role in promoting community spirit and unity across the nation.

Fans who are unable to attend can still enjoy live coverage of the tournament via FBC Sports, providing an opportunity to engage with the action. The tournament kicks off at 10 AM tomorrow, leading to an action-packed weekend that will conclude with the finals on Saturday. The Nawaka 7s stands as a symbol of rugby in Fiji, celebrating local talent and strengthening community connections through a shared passion for the sport.

Overall, this vibrant gathering goes beyond mere competition; it embodies a celebration of Fijian culture and the power of unity through sports.