The upcoming 31st R.C. Manubhai Nataleira Sevens tournament is poised to make a significant impact on grassroots rugby in the country. During the official launch held at the R.C. Manubhai Suva branch, tournament director Solo Finau emphasized the importance of evolving the game for players and coaches alike.
Finau, a former senior administrator at the Fiji Rugby Union, stated that innovation is key to improving player performance and experience. He has introduced a unique tournament concept that will allow participants to maximize their benefits from the event. One notable change is the introduction of bonus points, which will be a first in the history of this tournament.
The bonus point system includes two innovative components. The first awards players bonus points for scoring a try under the goalposts, provided the conversion is successfully completed. The second rewards teams that score a converted try, a converted penalty, and a drop goal within a seven-minute timeframe. Finau believes that these changes will encourage players and coaches to think creatively about scoring, drawing inspiration from international successes where drop goals have played a crucial role.
He expressed optimism that this new format would help nurture a fresh mentality among players, potentially creating a stronger national sevens team in the future. By incentivizing teams to score under the posts, it could spark enhanced defensive strategies, thereby increasing the overall competitiveness of the matches.
Atish Singh, regional manager of R.C. Manubhai, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ongoing growth of the Nataleira Sevens tournament and expressing excitement for its future potential.
Scheduled to take place from December 19 to 21 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, this tournament is not just an event; it’s a step towards fostering a new culture in rugby, one that could lead to improved performance at the national level.
Overall, the Nataleira Sevens tournament presents a promising opportunity for players to hone their skills, innovate their gameplay, and enhance the overall appeal of rugby in the region. It embodies a forward-thinking approach that could pave the way for future successes in this beloved sport.
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