The Yaro Chiefs secured their place in the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s with a thrilling 22-19 victory over Yalovata in the quarter-finals on Saturday. The match was competitive right from the start, with both teams fiercely battling it out until the final whistle.
Coach Paula Karatu expressed pride in his players for their well-earned victory, acknowledging their hard work and dedication throughout the year. He praised their performance on the field, noting the tough competition they will face in the upcoming tournament.
“The boys deserve this win; they have been working hard throughout the year to get this well-deserved win,” said Karatu. “It was a great game, the boys tested themselves. We know participating in the Coral Coast 7s won’t be an easy task, but we will be looking forward.”
Highlighting individual performances, Coach Karatu pointed out that standout players Tomasi Tawake, Isaia Rugu, and Esala Nalobo from the Malolo team showcased exceptional talent during the match. However, he emphasized that the collective effort of the entire team was crucial to their success and he felt immense pride in their achievement.
Qualifying for the Coral Coast Fiji 7s has been a key goal for the Yaro Chiefs, and with this milestone reached, the team plans to celebrate their success before refocusing on preparations for the competition ahead. “It was our aim to qualify for the Coral Coast 7s, so now we will celebrate and then get back to the drawing board before the competition,” he added.
Coach Karatu also extended his gratitude to the team’s supporters, families, and the community of Malolo for their constant encouragement. The other teams that have qualified for the tournament include Wardens, Dominion Brothers, Ravuka Sharks, Devo Babas, Police Blue, and Uso Tasi.
The anticipation builds as the Yaro Chiefs look ahead to the challenges of the Coral Coast Fiji 7s, with hopes of a strong showing in the tournament.