Aussie Select 7s debutant Garlen Peace has expressed his excitement about returning to Fiji for the 14th edition of the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, an experience that holds deep personal significance for him. With both Aboriginal and Fijian heritage, Peace feels a strong connection to Votua Village on the Coral Coast, where his father originates, and he sees this tournament as an opportunity to strengthen his ties with his Fijian family.
The Australian development team has arrived in Fiji, marking an important milestone for Peace. He shared, “My mum is Aboriginal and I’m very close to my Aboriginal family back in Australia, and this trip is a great opportunity for me to strengthen my connection with my Fijian family.” Playing in front of his relatives represents a dream come true for him.
Under the guidance of coaches Shannon Fraser and Matthew Sonter, the Aussie Select 7s quickly adapted to their surroundings, commencing their first training session at Cuvu College. Having made it to the quarter-finals in their debut last year, the team is eager to improve on that performance, buoyed by support from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program.
The Aussie Select 7s have been placed in Pool D of the men’s division, facing off against formidable competition from some of the top teams in Fiji. Peace emphasized his commitment to learning from this tournament to enhance his performance for the upcoming season in Brisbane.
Assistant coach Matthew Sonter underscored the tournament’s importance as a testing ground for several debutants within the squad. “It was great to get the boys out on the field for our first training session here in Fiji. We’ve got plenty of talent in the team, and with a number of debutants, this tournament is the perfect opportunity for our boys to test themselves against the best in Fiji,” he remarked.
Daniel Millis, Rugby Australia’s Head of Pacific Partnerships, noted the broader context of the Coral Coast 7s, stating, “This is about more than just the rugby. Sport has always been one of the strongest bridges between Australia and Fiji. Through programs like PacificAus Sports and opportunities such as the Coral Coast 7s, we’re not only developing athletes but building lasting relationships grounded in respect, culture, and shared values.”
With local support ramping up and all preparations in place, the Aussie Select 7s are geared up for an impressive debut at the Coral Coast 7s, set to kick off their campaign on Thursday afternoon in Sigatoka. The tournament officially commences at 9 am tomorrow at Lawaqa Park, with fans able to tune in for live coverage on FBC Sports. The event not only showcases rugby but also highlights the cultural bonds shared between Australia and Fiji, making it a celebration of sport and community.