This Saturday, the Super 7s Qualifier for the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament will feature a competitive lineup of 28 teams split into seven pools. The tournament’s structure places importance on each match in the pool stages, as the top two teams from each pool will advance to the round of 16.
Following the exciting pool stages, the winners of the quarter-finals will enter the main Coral Coast 7s tournament, while the four losing teams will have a chance to vie for a spot in the semi-finals. The two winning teams from the semi-finals will join the four quarter-final victors, setting the stage for a dramatic final in which the ultimate winner will secure a place in the main competition alongside six other previously qualified teams. In total, seven teams from the qualifiers will earn a spot in the larger tournament.
Jay Whyte, the founding chair of McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, emphasized the innovative approach taken with the qualifiers. He stated, “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.” This approach fosters a spirit of competition and fairness among the participating teams.
The qualifiers will be hosted at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, with matches kicking off at 8:30 AM. Fans can look forward to a thrilling day filled with rugby as teams from various regions clash in hopes of advancing to the coveted main tournament.
The teams competing in the qualifiers are divided into pools as follows: Pool A features Devo Babas, Island Magic Daveta, Tubarua Highlanders, and C3 Brothers; Pool B includes Ratu Filise, Kesenavunivalu Rugby, Suva Stallions, and St Gabriel Nakavika; Pool C features Uso Tasi Rugby, Lami Cavaliers, Pegasus Rugby, and Yaro Chiefs; Pool D includes Covenant Rugby, Ravuka Sharks, Yalova Spearhead, and Dominion Brothers; Pool E has Flame Tree Waimanu, Tuva Rugby, Deii Westfield, and Lomaiviti; Pool F comprises Vacalea Young Boys, Taikita Brothers, Nahehevia Patriot, and Islanders Rugby; and Pool G hosts Police Blue, Army Green, Wardens, and FSC Grassroots Fiji.
Fans and participants alike are eager to witness the intensity and excitement that the Coral Coast Fiji 7s qualifiers will undoubtedly bring. This event is not only a platform for showcasing local talent but also an opportunity for teams to demonstrate their skills on a grand stage.