The 31st R.C. Manubhai Nataleira Sevens tournament is poised to transform grassroots rugby in the nation, according to tournament director Solo Finau. At the official launch held at the R.C. Manubhai Suva branch store, Finau emphasized the importance of modernizing the game to enhance players’ experiences and skillsets.
Finau, a former senior administrator for Fiji Rugby Union, stressed the need for innovative strategies to move away from traditional methods of approaching sevens rugby. He has introduced a new concept: bonus points. This tournament will be the first of its kind to incorporate this feature, which aims to encourage more dynamic scoring techniques.
The first bonus point will be awarded when a player scores a try directly under the posts, but the conversion must be successful. The second bonus point rewards teams that manage to score a converted try, a converted penalty, and a drop goal within a seven-minute window during the match. Finau highlighted that this new approach is aligned with successful strategies from international rugby, where crucial World Cup victories have often come from drop goals executed at strategic moments.
By encouraging teams to aim for scoring under the posts, the tournament aims to foster a competitive spirit and raise defensive levels across matches, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the games played. Finau is optimistic that this new format will cultivate a fresh culture among potential players for the national sevens team and inspire teams to adopt these scoring techniques in various tournaments.
Atish Singh, the regional manager of R.C. Manubhai, expressed the company’s gratitude for being associated with the Nataleira Sevens, noting that the tournament has shown consistent growth each year. He is hopeful for its continued success and expansion in the future.
The tournament is scheduled to take place at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori from December 19 to 21.
This initiative not only promises to elevate the standard of rugby in the region but also emphasizes the need for progressive thinking in sports development, which can inspire young athletes and create a more competitive environment. With these exciting changes on the horizon, fans can look forward to a thrilling display of talent and strategy during the tournament.
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