Women’s Rugby Showdown: Who Will Claim the Na-Iri Trophy?

Next week, the vibrant coastal city of Sigatoka will host the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s, where twelve women’s teams will compete for the prestigious Na-Iri trophy. The tournament promises to be an exhilarating three-day event, with the inclusion of the New Zealand women’s 7s team, anticipated to be the top contenders for the title.

Jay Whyte, the tournament founder, expressed excitement about the competition level, noting that the New Zealand women’s 7s team is considered the favorite to win. However, they will face formidable competition from the Mt Masada team, which represents the shadow Fijiana 7s and aims to turn around their recent performances. Additionally, the Drua women’s 7s team is expected to showcase their skills, adding an exciting dynamic to the matches.

The participating teams this year include the NZ 7s, Mt Masada, Drua, Pacific Nomads, Lilian Amazon, Ezers Women’s, Tagimoucia Ranadi, Bilo Bar Aflame Women’s, Seahawks, Lava City Women’s Rugby – Savusavu, Tuva Rugby, and the Kadavu women’s team. This diverse lineup not only highlights talent from Fiji but also brings together fierce competitors from the Pacific region and beyond.

Whyte expressed his enthusiasm about this year’s event, emphasizing its significance as an opportunity for local teams to challenge themselves against some of the best in the world. The growing international recognition of the tournament is evident through its substantial social media engagement and audience, showcasing its prominent status in the global rugby community.

In the previous year, Matakesi from New Zealand claimed the women’s title, while Mt Masada finished as the runners-up, setting the stage for an intense and competitive tournament this time around.

This event not only highlights the skill and determination of female rugby players but also fosters a sense of community and sportsmanship among participants, paving the way for future generations of rugby enthusiasts in Fiji and beyond. The excitement surrounding the tournament fosters hope for further development of women’s rugby on the international stage.