This Saturday, the Super 7s Qualifier for the highly anticipated 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament will take place, featuring an impressive lineup of 28 teams divided into seven pools. The tournament structure underscores the significance of each match during the pool stages, as the top two teams from each pool will progress to the round of 16.
After an exhilarating pool phase, the winners of the quarter-finals will secure their places in the main Coral Coast 7s tournament, while the four teams that do not advance will still have an opportunity to compete for a spot in the semi-finals. The two semi-final winners will then join the four quarter-final victors, culminating in a thrilling final that promises to be a dramatic showdown. Ultimately, seven teams from the qualifiers will earn their spots in the larger tournament, aligning them with six previously qualified teams.
Jay Whyte, the founding chair of McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, highlighted the progressive approach of this year’s qualifiers. “We went back to where we started in the early days, and instead of cherry-picking or someone making an indicative decision as to who makes it, we said, let’s let the teams qualify themselves,” he shared. This philosophy encourages a more competitive spirit and fairness among the participating teams.
The qualifiers will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, starting at 8:30 AM. Enthusiastic fans can anticipate a day filled with exhilarating rugby action, as teams from across various regions battle it out for advancement to the esteemed main tournament.
Competing teams are organized into pools: Pool A consists of Devo Babas, Island Magic Daveta, Tubarua Highlanders, and C3 Brothers; Pool B features Ratu Filise, Kesenavunivalu Rugby, Suva Stallions, and St Gabriel Nakavika; Pool C includes Uso Tasi Rugby, Lami Cavaliers, Pegasus Rugby, and Yaro Chiefs; Pool D is made up of Covenant Rugby, Ravuka Sharks, Yalova Spearhead, and Dominion Brothers; Pool E has Flame Tree Waimanu, Tuva Rugby, Deii Westfield, and Lomaiviti; Pool F consists of Vacalea Young Boys, Taikita Brothers, Nahehevia Patriot, and Islanders Rugby; Pool G hosts Police Blue, Army Green, Wardens, and FSC Grassroots Fiji.
As the anticipation builds, both fans and teams are excited for the high-stakes and electrifying rugby that the Coral Coast Fiji 7s qualifiers promise to deliver. This event serves not only as a showcase for local talent but also as a significant opportunity for teams to display their skills on a prominent platform.