Attention will soon shift to Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, where the highly anticipated 14th edition of the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament will kick off next week, marking an exciting start to the 7s rugby season. Renowned as a premier event in the Pacific, this three-day tournament has drawn a record number of international teams, highlighting its growing prestige.
Among the squads participating are the Samoa 7s and Sacramento Kaji Rugby, joining a cohort of international teams that have competed in the tournament in the past. Familiar faces such as the All Blacks 7s, Australia Select 7s, Black Ferns, and Japan’s youth team will also make an appearance, bringing a wealth of competitive experience.
Adding to the international flavor are teams like Bula Bay from New Zealand, the Seattle Barbarians, Nauru Rugby, and the exciting Mike Friday’s Select 7s team. Jay Whyte, chairman of the Coral Coast 7s organizing committee, expressed enthusiasm about the record-breaking number of participating international teams, which will feature some of the best 7s players from around the globe, alongside top talent from Fiji.
The tournament will showcase reigning champions, the Fiji 7s team, as well as newcomers Drua 7s and prominent local squads like BLK Lavidi Brothers. Fans can look forward to seeing prominent 7s stars in action, with Mike Friday’s Select 7s team expected to electrify the crowd. Legendary player Jerry Tuwai will captain an exciting lineup that includes the former Irish 7s captain Harry McNulty and Blitzbokke great Rosko Specman, along with Luke Treharne from Wales and Matai Leuta from the USA.
The inclusion of the Drua 7s team adds an intriguing dynamic to the tournament, offering its players valuable competitive experience ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby season. These athletes are not only crowd favorites but also essential for showcasing the talents emerging from Fiji rugby.
Furthermore, Fiji 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau, who serves as the tournament ambassador, will be honored with induction into the RugbyTown Walk of Fame. He will be joining rugby legends such as David Campese, Waisale Serevi, and Jonah Lomu, among others, further emphasizing the tournament’s rich heritage and commitment to celebrating rugby excellence.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 16-18, promising a weekend filled with thrilling rugby action and camaraderie across teams and cultures.
Overall, the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament is not only a celebration of rugby but also a platform for emerging talent, fostered by international competition. It presents a hopeful outlook for the future of rugby in Fiji and the Pacific region as a whole. It is an opportunity for fans to witness elite performances and for players to gain invaluable experience on the world stage.
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