The RC Manubhai Nataleira Sevens tournament is set to take place from December 12 to 14 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, and it promises to bring a fresh twist to the competition with new by-laws aimed at enhancing the tournament’s appeal. Tournament director Solo Finau announced that a bonus points system has been introduced, which is expected to benefit all participating teams.
The organizers are aiming for a participation of 80 teams across four tiers: Tier One is dedicated to champion teams, Tier Two includes regular teams, Tier Three is for senior women’s teams, and Tier Four offers a platform for under-19 competitors. Finau expressed that these innovative changes are designed to reignite interest in sevens tournaments across the nation, while also providing financial benefits to the teams and nurturing player development.
“We are altering the competition format so that local players can demonstrate their abilities in challenging situations,” Finau noted, emphasizing the importance of strategic plays such as drop goals, which have proven successful in World Cups. He believes that teams should not just compete but also aim for victory by utilizing their natural skills.
To further incentivize performance, the tournament will offer instant rewards after matches. For instance, a player who scores a coast-to-coast individual try from within their own in-goal area will earn $100, and team captains will receive $100 for coast-to-coast team tries. There will also be cash rewards for teams accumulating the most converted tries, drop goals, and penalty goals throughout the tournament. Additionally, a unique challenge is set for teams to equal or beat Alosio Naduva’s record for the fastest team try, with a reward of $100 for achieving this feat within specific time constraints.
The Fiji Rugby Union has sanctioned the tournament, which will be officially launched on December 6, paving the way for an exciting and engaging series of matches.
This initiative not only fosters healthy competition but also creates an opportunity for players and teams to showcase their talents, with the added motivation of financial rewards. It reflects a proactive approach to engaging the rugby community and enhancing the sporting experience for both players and fans alike.
In summary, the Nataleira Sevens is set to become a notable event in the rugby calendar, combining innovative formats with enticing rewards to revive local interest and investment in the sport.
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