The upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s promises to be one of the most fiercely contested tournaments in recent years, as organizers have heightened the competitive atmosphere across all categories. With the reinstatement of a 24-team men’s draw, pool play will feature intense matchups where each game is pivotal, akin to a knockout round.
This year’s tournament is anticipated to be even more thrilling due to a noteworthy increase in overseas participation, in addition to larger prize money, making the Sigatoka event a true arena for sevens excellence. Tournament Director, Whyte, emphasizes that “each pool match will almost feel like a final,” given the stakes involved, which heightens both the excitement and pressure for teams.
The thrill isn’t limited to the men’s division; the women’s competition has also seen significant enhancements, boasting participation from the New Zealand Development Sevens, three teams from Australia, and two squads from China. These teams are leveraging the tournament as a stepping stone in their Olympic development journey.
The youth division brings its own promise of excitement as well, with defending champions Southland Broncos back in action to take on the country’s upcoming rugby stars. Whyte views the youth competition as an insightful window into the future of Fijian rugby.
In addition, the tournament features a substantial increase in the prize pool, highlighted by a $50,000 payout for the men’s division. This financial incentive is set to fuel the competitive spirit, as teams strive not only for trophies but also for their share of the rewards.
The Coral Coast 7s is scheduled to take place from the 15th to the 17th of this month at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, and fans can catch all the action live on FBC Sports. With anticipation building, this year’s event is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and showcasing the best of Rugby Sevens.