The Pacific Nomad women’s rugby team is gearing up for the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament, which kicked off today at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Head coach Paddy Bowen expressed that the team will stick to their fundamentals and showcase their unique playing style.

In Pool B, the Nomad women will compete against formidable teams including Mt Masada, Ezers, Seahawks, and Tuva women. Additionally, the Pacific Nomads have a youth team participating in the tournament. Bowen highlighted that their preparation for this event, which included a competitive stint at the Papeete 7s in Tahiti, has been both rewarding and challenging, requiring months of dedicated training.

One key aspect of their preparation has been logistics, as players come from various regions across the state. Despite these challenges, Bowen noted the energy and commitment demonstrated by the team during their training sessions. “Real success for us will come from executing the basics well and building a cohesive team effort,” he stated.

The Coral Coast 7s is recognized as one of the toughest competitions, and the team is focused on fostering trust, communication, and synergy on the field, with Bowen confident about the team’s collective determination. He also addressed the heat in Sigatoka, mentioning that it is preferable compared to the current weather back home in Australia, and emphasized the importance of hydration and recovery for his players.

Bowen’s ambitions for this tournament go beyond competition; he aims for the team to develop and represent their region with pride while enjoying the unique experiences this prestigious event provides. The growing popularity of women’s rugby in Fiji is evident, and events like Coral Coast 7s contribute to inspiring future generations of athletes.

The excitement surrounding the Coral Coast 7s not only highlights the skill and determination of participants but also fosters community engagement, presenting a hopeful outlook for women’s sports in the region. With free entry for spectators this year, the tournament is expected to draw considerable local support, enhancing the spirit of camaraderie and competition among teams.