A team of Fijians residing in Sydney, Australia, is set to participate in the highly anticipated 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament, scheduled to take place at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka next month. The eHub International Sydney Fijians 7s team aims to offer pathways and exposure for players and teams that are connected to Fiji, making the tournament a significant event in the local rugby sevens scene.
Leading the team is former Wallabies winger and centre Henry Speight, who is joined by experienced players Ro Baleibau Buaserau and Abele Atunaisa. Both Buaserau and Atunaisa bring a wealth of experience from their rugby careers at a high level in Australia, helping guide a squad that predominantly consists of younger athletes aged 19-25. This tournament will mark a significant milestone for many of these players as they experience high-level sevens rugby for the first time.
The team is proudly sponsored by eHub International, which focuses on education and migration pathways, along with associate sponsors Bula Brothers Landscaping, Brisk Reinforcement Pty Ltd, and Tui Sportswear.
Coral Coast 7s founding chairman Jay Whyte expressed his enthusiasm for including a team of Fijian heritage from Australia, noting that their involvement adds a vibrant spirit to the tournament. “Their participation is a testament to the inclusive nature of our tournament as we celebrate the richness of rugby culture,” Whyte remarked.
The McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s is set to run from January 15-17, promising exciting matches and the celebration of Fiji’s strong rugby heritage. The participation of the Sydney Fijians at this prestigious event is expected to foster connections between rugby players across borders, thereby enhancing the community spirit that rugby promotes.