Countdown Begins To Coral Coast Sevens

Countdown Begins To Coral Coast Sevens

 Defending champions Yamacia at the launch of the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens

The Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens today celebrated 100 Days To Go with one eye on the Olympic Games in two year’s time.

Guest speaker, renowned media identity Mark Watson, said the introduction of Rugby Sevens into Rio 2016 is setting up the tournament for long-term success.

“Sevens in the Olympic Games will change the landscape and the global point of view when it comes to rugby will no longer be the XV-man code, it will be Sevens,” the New Zealander told an invited audience at the Outrigger on the Lagoon . Fiji. “Fiji has never won an Olympic medal, of any colour, and (smaller countries like) Kenya, Samoa and Fiji are some of those that can beat the likes of New Zealand to do this.

“When you think about the world of Sevens you think Fiji, whether it is Serevi or the early years in Hong Kong, and tournaments like this will become the focal point for the world. Countries will want to develop their Sevens teams and the best way to benchmark is to come to Fiji and play against the best.

“When I came in 2013 I was blown away by the talent on display and this tournament is incredibly special and will be in huge demand.”

The Radio Network host, who has also been a television commentator the Olympic Games, said the Olympic impact on a sport can be profound.

“I was involved in the sport of triathlon in the year it became an Olympic sport and it (Olympic inclusion) changes the sport, the investment and the interest in it. Fiji has the opportunity to capitalise as the whole world will want to come to the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.”

Watson said the momentum of the sport was only going to continue with the Olympics.

“It’s only appropriate that we see Sevens at the Olympic Games as it gives the region – Micronesia and Polynesia – an opportunity to win medals, create great sporting moments and bring a country together.”

Now in its fifth year, the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens has unequalled prizemoney, unrivalled media coverage and unmatched star power, having previously hosted Waisale Serevi, David Campese, Jonah Lomu, Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala and Sir Gordon Tietjens.

“I am delighted to announce that former New Zealand Sevens captain Karl te Nana will be the chief guest and ambassador for this year’s event,” said Philip Toogood, Managing Director, Bayleys Real Estate (Fiji) Ltd. “’KT’ played in 25 IRB tournaments and scored a then record 113 tries and we are thrilled that he and his family will be joining us in November.

“The Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is all about family.  It builds relationships with the local community, players and spectators and like-minded businesses but mostly it allows us to have fun in a game we all love.

“We are very proud to be part of a young tournament, but one that has a tremendous future, and we are looking forward to a long future with the event.”

Twenty-four men’s and 16 women’s teams, including defending champions Yamacia and Telecom Fijiana, will take part in the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens onNovember 13-15 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

Tickets for the tournament go on sale in October.

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Fiji Coral Coast Rugby Sevens

Champion Fiji sevens teams battling it out in the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament include:
 

• Waimanu sevens team, one of the top teams in the country and the runner up to the Digicel sevens team that won the Suva International sevens in January 2010. The club plays under the Naitasiri Rugby Union and produces many of Fiji's finest players, such as Rokini Kiliraki, Sailosi Naiteqe and Lemeki Duidomo
• Red Rock, one of the top Suva teams, which has produced players like Lepani Nabuliwaqa
• Police Suva/Lautoka/Labasa/Mobile, the police rugby teams always provide competitive sevens rugby around the country and scoop most prizes
• Prison Team, Suva/Lautoka, a top team and once the champions of sevens competition around the country
• Nawaka, from the Nadi district, is also one of the best sevens teams in the country
• Marist, a Suva club team, which has also held the title of top sevens team in the country

Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament matches will be played at Lawaqa Park, Coral Coast

Nadroga, the club hosting the event, is a household name in the history of rugby in Fiji. This team is currently the champion of Fiji rugby and holds the Farebrother Trophy and the Digicel Cup. Games will be played at Nadroga Rugby's, Lawaqa Park, one of the best rugby grounds in the country and home to the IRB funded High Performance Unit for Fiji Rugby.

Fiji Sevens team is one of the most successful rugby sevens teams in the world

The national Fiji Sevens team is one of the most admired and successful rugby sevens teams in the world and is famous for its speed and finesse on the field. Fiji is the only nation to have won the Rugby World Cup Sevens twice, in 1997 and 2005 and it has won the Hong Kong Sevens a record nine times since 1976.

The Fiji national rugby sevens team competes in the World Series Sevens and the Rugby World Cup Sevens. As a nation, Fiji takes its rugby very seriously, celebrating with a national holiday after its World Cup victories.

Fiji Sevens players considered international greats

Sevens rugby in Fiji is always the feeder team to the National fifteen side and has repeatedly and consistently been shown to produce some of Fiji's finest players. These players are renowned in world rugby and have made their name alongside some international greats. Brilliant Fiji players include Rupeni Caucau, who is one of the world's fastest wingers, Sireli Bobo, Filimoni Delasau and Waisale Serevi, considered a legendary sevens player.