The upcoming 31st R.C. Manubhai Nataleira Sevens tournament is poised to make a significant impact on grassroots rugby in the country. This ambitious initiative was highlighted by tournament director Solo Finau during its official launch at the R.C. Manubhai Suva branch store.
Finau emphasized the necessity of evolving the way rugby is played, advocating for new strategies that would better equip players and coaches. He introduced innovative concepts aimed at enhancing the game’s dynamics, including the introduction of bonus points for this tournament, a first in sevens rugby.
One aspect of the new bonus point system allows players to score additional points by completing a try under the posts, which must then be converted. Additionally, teams can earn a bonus point by successfully achieving a converted try, a converted penalty, and a drop goal within a seven-minute timeframe during a match. Finau’s goal with these changes is to encourage teams to explore diverse scoring methods, drawing inspiration from successful strategies utilized by World Cup winners such as South Africa, England, and Australia.
The tournament aims to foster a culture of adaptability and strategic thinking among future national sevens team players, ultimately leading to a heightened level of competition. Finau noted that if teams focus on scoring under the posts, they will bolster their defensive strategies, which will, in turn, elevate the overall standard of play.
R.C. Manubhai’s regional manager, Atish Singh, expressed gratitude for their growing association with the Nataleira Sevens, indicating optimism for the tournament’s expansion year after year. The event is scheduled to take place from December 19 to 21 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, offering an exciting opportunity for local teams to showcase their talents.
In summary, the Nataleira Sevens tournament is not just a sport event; it represents a transformative approach to nurturing emerging rugby talent. By introducing innovative scoring options, the tournament aims to reshape how players approach the game, instilling a mindset geared towards strategic thinking that may yield significant benefits for national teams in the future. This proactive attitude towards grassroots rugby promises a brighter future for the sport within the country.
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