He came by his record as a top try scorer in rugby sevens quite accidentally but once he realised it was possible, Kenyan legend, Collins Injera kept setting small goals to get him to the top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
It is quite possibly his biggest message to rugby players, to make small goals and keep working to make them a reality. It is a message that the Nairobi resident will bring to Nadroga in Fiji when he comes in January 2023 for the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.
Police Retain Fiji Coral Coast Sevens
Police shut out Tabadamu 17-0 to win their fourth McDonald's Fiji's Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka.
The defending champion mastered the wet conditions at Lawaqa Park with tries to Rusiate Matai, Necani Nawaqadau and Filipe Sauturaga with Sauturaga named Campese-Serevi Medal Winner as Player of the Tournament, sponsored by Sigatoka River Safari.
Earlier in the tournament Fijiana Development defeated Marist Seahawks 22-5 after wins over two USA invitation teams - Scion Woo and Stars USA - in the knockout stages of the Outrigger Beach Resort Women's tournament.
Meanwhile, Tuva Youth splashed their way to a 10-0 over Ratu Filise in the final of the Shangri-La Youth division.
After a mix of weather during the week, the heavens opened mid-afternoon on Saturday causing havoc for the playoff matches.
In the showpiece "i-wau" trophy match in the spiritual home of Sevens, first-time finalists Tabadamu made several handling errors against the experienced lawmen.
Police, who previously won the title in 2014 and 2016 as well as 2018, eased into the final with a 22-7 win over the visiting Australian Development team after overcoming Coastal Brothers 12-7 in the quarter final.
Simon Kennewell, Jeral Skelton and Sam Myers were the best-known of the Aussies who lost their opening game but bounced back to make the last four and gain valuable experience ahead of the remainder of the HSBC Sevens World Series.
Tabadamu edged Ratu Filise 7-5 in the semi final having comfortably beaten Stars USA, the other overseas team in the last eight, 26-7.
Earlier, Ratu Filise eliminated former champions First Light Taveuni 17-12 however there was some consolation for the Garden Island as they beat Sigatoka River Safari Henibua 15-10 to win the Plate
In its ninth year, Fiji's only global tournament featured 44 teams and again attracted rugby stars including Bryan Habana who was inducted onto the 'Rugbytown' Walk of Fame in Sigatoka.
Also attending was the King of Sevens, Waisale Serevi, international referees and the Hong Kong men's and women's national teams seeking further experience in this Olympic qualifying season.
McDonald's Fiji's Coral Coast Sevens is proudly supported by McDonald's Fiji, Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari, Outrigger Beach Resort, Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa, Gecko's Resort, Bedarra Beach Inn, DuAull, Vodafone, Go Advertising, Mana Graphix, BLK, Gilbert, Fiji Link, Quality Print, Fuji Xerox, Airports Fiji Limited, SportsNow, Hot Glass Fiji, Coastline Transport, Bula Car Rentals, Pacific Destinations, Tappoo and Fiji Water. Media partners Fiji TV, Legend FM, FM 96, Fiji Times and Ben Slater.
For more information: www.fijicoralcoastsevens.com
RESULTS
Cup: Police 17 Tabadamu 0
Plate: First Light Taveuni 15 Sigatoka River Safari Henibua 10
Bowl: NFA 12 Dratabu 10
Shield: BLK 17 Suva Stallions 15
FORTY two teams get an exciting international opportunity to showcase rugby talent at the Fijiโs Coral Coast 7s made possible by McDonaldโs Restaurant.
The annual event which takes place January 16-19 2018 on the Coral Coast is Fijiโs premier 7s tournament.
Tournament Director Jay Whyte said the tournaments 9th edition was made possible only with todayโs partnership announcement with McDonaldโs Restaurant.
โWe are committed to delivering new talent for the Fiji Rugby 7s player pool,โ Mr Whyte said.
โWe are grateful to Marc Elrath and his team at McDonald's for joining with us in helping deliver another event.โ
Fiji has incredible talent and many overseas teams know that, so they come here to develop their own pool of players, Mr Whyte added.
โWithout sponsorship like McDonald's we simply could not stage an event that boasts 16 mens, 10 womens and 16 youth over 4 days,โ Mr Whyte said.
The Fijiโs Coral Coast Sevens boasts the best level of competition in Youth with this being the fourth year that the division has been included.
Overseas teams confirmed to take part include Aussie Mens, Hong Kong Men and Hong Kong Women's.
In Fiji, the tournament has fast become the tournament every major team wants to win.
The McDonaldโs sponsorship gives the family restaurant chain naming rights over the tournament.
The McDonalds Fijiโs Coral Coast Sevens tournament ambassador is former South African wing Bryan Habana.
Habana and his family join the tournament with the sponsorship by Sigatoka River Safari.
Contact:
Lice Movono
Public Relations - McDonaldโs Fijiโs Coral Coast Sevens
Tel/WhatsApp: +6797356362
Police eased past First Light Taveuni 34-7 to win the Mana Whey Coral Coast Sevens at Lawaqa Park.
The lawmen added a third title to victories in 2014 and 2016 with a comprehensive victory in the final over the defending champions.
Police were in command from the opening whistle leading 17-7 at the break following tries to Sakeo Railoa, Saimoni Ratuisoa and Belasio Vukiwai
Railoa completed his hattrick and Ratuisoa bagged a second as Police doubled their score in the second term.
Police's Sakeo Railoa was named Campese-Serevi medal winner as player of the tournament.
Captain Sitiveni Waqa said they delivered for their closest supporters when it mattered.
โWe finished yesterday, went back and weโve been talking. We made a lot of errors yesterday So we go back, we regroup again," Waqa said. "We told each other todayโs the last day so if we go back to Sigatoka we have to take something back home to family who home waiting for us.โ
โIt means a lot for the team especially for one of our colleagues who passed away last year . Since he has passed away we have not been playing any tournaments, so this win means a lot for us dedicated to him."
Ravuka Sharks claimed their first silverware in Sigatoka with a narrow 12-10 win over Wardens in the Plate.
Meanwhile, two sponsor teams - Shangri-La and Outrigger - also took home their share of the $70,000 in prizemoney.
Almost 7,000 fans packed Lawaqa Park in the eighth edition of Fiji's premier sevens tournament, watched on by former New Zealand captain DJ Forbes, referee Rasta Rasivhenge, Olympic-winning coach Ben Ryan and the King of Sevens Waisale Serevi.
โIt is one of the best tournaments Iโve ever seen, well organised, games were so exciting right through from the first pool game through to the finals, Serevi said. "We now cannot predict which teams will win the tournament. The pool games is like quarter finals and semi finals standard. Itโs getting tougher stronger and more exciting to watch."
The semi-finals saw the 2017 champions First Light Taveuni power past Ratu Filise securing 19-0 win while Police and McDonaldโs Saunaka had a tougher battle with Police holding on for a single try win 12-7 to get to the final.
Wardens' Asesela Ratudamu won the Jonah Lomu medal as top tryscorer with eight.
RESULTS OF THE MANA WHEY FIJI CORAL COAST SEVENS, Sigatoka
Final
Police 34 First Light Taveuni 7
Semi Finals
First Light Taveuni 19 Ratu Filise 0
Police 12 McDonalds Saunaka 7
Quarter Finals
First Light Taveuni 17 Ravuka Sharks 12
Ratu Filise 17 Cross of Victory Taveuni 12
McDonalds Saunaka 19 Wardens 12
Police 29 Suva Stallions 7
Plate
Ravuka Sharks 12 Wardens 10
Bowl
Shangri-La's Daveta 12 SRS Henibua 7
Shield
Outrigger Beach Resort 19 Hong Kong 12
For complete results fijicoralcoastsevens.com
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is sponsored by MANA Whey Protein (Tabua sponsor), Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari (strategic partners), Crest, McDonald's, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Uprising Fiji Beach Resort (prime partners), Bedarra Beach Inn, Gecko's Resort, Shangri-la's Fijian Resort & Spa (official hotels), CFL, Fiji Times, Fiji TV (media partners), Airports Fiji Ltd, Aqua Pacific, BLK, Bula Car Rentals, Du Aull Services, Hot Glass Fiji, Mana Graphix, Pacific Destinations, Quality Print, Slater Media, Sports Now, Sun Insurance, Tappoo and Vodafone (official suppliers).
Striders are the Crest Na Iri Womenโs Champions in 2018 after a 19-12 victory over Hong Kong at Lawaqa Park.
This is Striders' sixth year at the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens but the big prize had eluded them until today.
Striders team Talica Vodo, named Player of the Tournament, could not stop smiling as she expressed her pride in the team.
โWe are really proud because our aim was to finish in the top five to improve on our standard last year but weโre really happy we managed to win the tournament this year,โ she said.
โItโs the first time some of them are playing in this type of big tournament so Iโm really proud of everyone.โ
The semi-finals saw the three internationals and, in a minor surprise, just one local team battle it out for a spot in the decider.
Hong Kong defeated Stars USA in a gripping finish which saw the Asian team run in a try after the siren to steal a 19-17 win.
In the second semi-final, Striders thumped Japan 29-7 in a result which saw last year's runners up outplayed across the park.
Vodo said they just followed the coachโs instructions.
โThe coach just said enjoy the game and relax โ that was the message โ get the basics right and we did that.โ
Hong Kong Womenโs coach, Kevin West, was pleased with the resilience his team showed in facing a different style of rugby.
โOne of the things we struggle with is we have a lot of Asian competition. To have to face different teams and have to adapt to the way different teams play and adapt our style, is a great challenge for us,โ he said.
West is also keen to return in 2019.
โItโs been fantastic - weโve got so much out of it. Itโs well run, the competition standard is amazing and itโs a hard game, every game so we have learnt so much through the course of it.โ
The Menโs competition also kicked off on Friday with 16 teams in four pools aiming for a shot at the prestigious trophy and the $20,000 first prize.
Unlike the Womenโs competition, the international visitors struggled on the first day, notably Hong Kong who finished without a win.
Defending champions First Light Taveuni and crowd favorites Ratu Filise were among the strong performers.
Wardens joined those two teams in going through undefeated.
The quarter finals kick off at 10:00 tomorrow.
ย
RESULTS OF THE CREST NA IRI TROPHY, Lawaqa Park
Cup
Striders 19 Hong Kong 12
Plate
Fijiana Makosoi 22 Nadi Aviators 21
ย
QUARTER FINALS FOR THE MANA WHEY FIJI CORAL COAST SEVENS, Lawaqa Park
Cup
First Light Taveuni v Ravuka Sharks
Cross of Victory v Ratu Filise
Wardens v McDonalds Saunaka
Police v Shipping Services Suva Stallions
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Bowl
Shangi-La's Daveta v Outrigger
Tovolea v BLK Iron Courage
Stars USA v Hong Kong
Lomavata Blues v SRS Henibua
For complete results fijicoralcoastsevens.com
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is sponsored by MANA Whey Protein (Tabua sponsor), Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari (strategic partners), Crest, McDonald's, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Uprising Fiji Beach Resort (prime partners), Bedarra Beach Inn, Gecko's Resort, Shangri-la's Fijian Resort & Spa (official hotels), CFL, Fiji Times, Fiji TV (media partners), Airports Fiji Ltd, Aqua Pacific, BLK, Bula Car Rentals, Du Aull Services, Hot Glass Fiji, Mana Graphix, Pacific Destinations, Quality Print, Slater Media, Sports Now, Sun Insurance, Tappoo and Vodafone (official suppliers).
TUVA Youth took out their second consecutive Uprising Youth 7s in extra time at Lawaqa Park.
The final against the New Zealand-based Wesley Fijians team was hard-fought with the score tied up at 5-5 at both half-time and when the siren sounded to mark full-time.
In sudden death extra time, and despite the visitors gaining consecutive penalties, a quick break by Iliasa Droasese to scramble to the line saw Tuva retain their title to the delight of the large and very vocal crowd.
Droasese received the Lote Tuquiri MVP award from Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens guest, Olympic gold medal winning coach Ben Ryan.
Tuva set the tone for the Final from the start of the day where they scored 17 points in the second half to take their quarter final against Malolo 22-14.
Similarly against Hong Kong in the semi-final, a last minute try gave them a narrow 12-7 victory.
Hong Kong Youth coach Stephen Dowse was pleased with his teamโs performance despite losing the semi-final.
โWhen we came to this tournament we didnโt really set any expectations in terms of placing," Dowse said. โItโs a tough competition and itโs what we wanted to test ourselves at the next level.
โWe knew thereโd be individually skilful players, fast players and powerful players. Whatโs been pleasing for us is that weโve learnt and weโve seen that if we play with structure and we use our strengths then weโre more than capable of competing at this level.โ
Tournament Ambassador DJ Forbes watched the finals and was impressed with the talent he saw from these young men.
โItโs awesome. It doesnโt matter what age they are theyโve got to chuck the ball around and have fun,โ he said. โThere are a couple of those boys that could even be playing in a provincial side or even the national side.
โItโs a good breeding ground and Iโm sure thereโll be a few coaches in the stands watching all the talent coming through.โ
Meanwhile, two of the three international teams went undefeated on the first day of the Crest Na Iri Womenโs competition.
Japan SDS team made its intentions clear with dominant performances against Hotsprings Savusavu 50-0 and Nadi Blazers, 33-7 while Stars USA surprised many with its last minute victory over last yearโs champions Fijiana Makosoi 17-12.
Stars Director of Rugby Liz Entwhistle was very pleased but not surprised by the result saying the team had put in a lot of work.
โWe have played against Fijiana several times in the past at Central Coast Sevens (NSW) but being able to play them on their home field and at their home tournament, we knew we needed a structured game plan,โ she said.
โWe had a very vital scrum at the end that we were able to win and get the ball out wide.Swinging the ball to the outside and using our speed and an offload game - we played with a little bit of Fijian flair - on the far side of the field that eventually set up the try to win it.โ
The Menโs competition will get the Friday morning action underway with the Crest Na Iri Womenโs quarter finals kicking off at 10.54am.
RESULTS OF THE UPRISING YOUTH 7s, Lawaqa Park
Cup
Tuva Youth 10 KISSP Investment Wesley Fijians 5 (AET)
Plate
Rugby Academy (Fiji) 17 First Light Taveuni 7
Bowl
Cuvu Blues 19 Northern Spirit 5
Shield
Ratu Filise 12 Togobula 7
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QUARTER FINALS FOR THE CREST NA IRI TROPHY, Lawaqa Park
Cup
Stars USA v Hotspring Savusavu
Fijiana Makosoi v Hong Kong
Japan SDS v SNAX Nadi Aviators
Striders v Nadi Blazers
ย
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is sponsored by MANA Whey Protein (Tabua sponsor), Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari (strategic partners), Crest, McDonald's, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Uprising Fiji Beach Resort (prime partners), Bedarra Beach Inn, Gecko's Resort, Shangri-la's Fijian Resort & Spa (official hotels), CFL, Fiji Times, Fiji TV (media partners), Airports Fiji Ltd, Aqua Pacific, BLK, Bula Car Rentals, Du Aull Services, GO Advertising, Hot Glass Fiji, Mana Graphix, Pacific Destinations, Quality Print, Slater Media, Sports Now, Sun Insurance, Tappoo and Vodafone (official suppliers).
ย
For complete results fijicoralcoastsevens.com
Locals Tuva Youth and First Light Taveuni and both international teams - Hong Kong and Wesley Fijian - shone on the opening day of the Uprising Youth 7s in Sigatoka.
The defending champions beat Togabula 34-0, Ratu Filise 26-0 and Lomavata Kangaroos 28-5 in a dominant display in Pool A.
Tuva Youth will play Malolo in tomorrow's quarter final.
First Light Taveuni edged Cuvu Blues 12-7 and Ratu Kadavulevu School 17-14 although had an easier 27-7 win over Nasaunivalu and play Hong Kong in the quarters.
Hong Kong, one of three teams the Union has brought to Fiji, beat Ra Barbarians 31-7, Nailaga 31-7 and Northern Spirit 26-14. Kowloon's Sam Tsoi scored four tries on the opening day.
However the top try scorer on day one of the four-day rugby sevens festival was KISSP Wesley Fijian's Selesitino Ravutaumada who bagged six in three matches.
The invitational selection from Paerata (near Auckland) were untroubled against Malolo 19-0, SRS Henibua 27-5 and Cuvu Marine 33-0 and will play Rugby Academy (Fiji) in the last eight.
Wesley coach David Qaranivula said:
"We have made a good start to the tournament but there is still a lot to work on. The boys are excited to be back in Fiji playing in the home of their birth and they have worked very hard preparing for this tournament.
โThe atmosphere at Lawaqa Park makes us all proud to be here and for our families back home.โ
The winners of the Uprising Youth 7s wins $10,000.
Thursday also sees the return of the Crest Na Iri Trophy with nine women's teams including three from overseas.
Japan return after an outstanding first appearance last year, where they made the final, while Hong Kong join their youth and men's teams for the first time.
Stars USA, an invitation team with players from around the world, also take on the locals from 10:40 am. Telecom Fijiana Makosol is the reigning champion.
As is tradition at the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, a special guest from the world of elite rugby is invited each year to be honoured with a plaque laid in the Sigatoka Rugby Walk of Fame.
This yearโs recipient is former New Zealand Sevens captain DJ Forbes who joins previous inductees including Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu and George Gregan.
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is sponsored by MANA Whey Protein (Tabua sponsor), Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari (strategic partners), Crest, McDonald's, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Uprising Fiji Beach Resort (prime partners), Bedarra Beach Inn, Gecko's Resort, Shangri-la's Fijian Resort & Spa (official hotels), CFL, Fiji Times, Fiji TV (media partners), Airports Fiji Ltd, Aqua Pacific, BLK, Bula Car Rentals, Du Aull Services, GO Advertising, Hot Glass Fiji, Mana Graphix, Pacific Destinations, Quality Print, Slater Media, Sports Now, Sun Insurance, Tappoo and Vodafone (official suppliers).
QUARTER FINALS FOR THE UPRISING YOUTH 7s, Lawaqa Park
Cup
Tuva Youth v Malolo
First Light Taveuni v Hong Kong
Rugby Academy (Fiji) v KISSP Investment Wesley Fijians
Rugby Academy (Fiji) 2 v Kings Selects
ย
Bowl
RKS v Ratu Filise
Northern Spirit v Ravuka Sharks
Davatelevu v Nailaga
Togobula v Cuvu Blues
ย
POOLS FOR THE CREST NA IRI TROPHY
Pool K: Fijiana Makosoi, Stars USA, Blue Light Sisters
Pool L: Japan SDS, Nadi Blazers, Hotspring Savusavu
Pool M: Hong Kong, SNAX Nadi Aviators, Striders
ย
For more information: fijicoralcoastsevens.com
Defending champion Tuva Youth have named a strong side for the Uprising Youth 7s which starts tomorrow in Sigatoka.
The Semo, Nadroga team includes four Fiji U18 representatives in Napolioni Kurisiga, Peniasi Vosawale, Douglas Daveta and Ilaisa Droasese.
The two-day Uprising Youth 7s is the curtain raiser to the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens which continues until Saturday at Lawaqa Park.
Tuvu takes on Togobula in the opening match at 10am and later tackles Ratu Filise and the Lomavata Kangaroos in Pool A.
Former Fiji international Seremaia Bai is coaching two Rugby Academy teams, one in Pool B against Kings 7s select, Natabua Beez and Dratabu, and the other in Pool C with Yasawa, Ravuka Sharks and Davatelevu.
Ravuka Sharks has also qualified for the men's competition.
Pool D includes Cuvu Blues, another local Nadroga side, alongside Nasaunivalu, RKS and First Light Taveuni whose senior team created history winning last year's Coral Coast Sevens.
Visiting national side Hong Kong joins newly-formed Northern Spirit, Nailaga and Ra Barbarians in Pool E while Pool F features Sigatoka River Safari Henibua, a team consisting of players from eight villages in Naqalimare District, Navosa, Cuvu Marine, Malolo and the second international team Wesley Fijian.
The side from New Zealand's famous Wesley College is made up of ten Fijian students studying at the school along with two locally-based players and a Niue/Cook Islander.
Ratu Meli Derenalagi, one of the local boys, has represented Fiji U18.
The winner of the Uprising Youth 7s receives $10,000 after the Cup Final scheduled for 5pm on Thursday. The Crest Na Iri Trophy womenโs competition plays out over Wednesday and Thursday while the menโs competition is held on Friday and Saturday at Lawaqa Park.
Organisers are expecting to exceed the 12,000 fans who attended in 2017.
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is sponsored by MANA Whey Protein, Crest, Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari, Uprising Fiji Beach Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Shangri-la's Fijian Resort & Spa, CFL, Fiji Times, Fiji TV, Vodafone, McDonald's, Gecko's Resort, Bedarra Beach Inn, BLK, Mana Graphix, GO Advertising, Airports Fiji Ltd, Hot Glass Fiji, Sports Now, Tappoo, Quality Print, Bula Car Rentals, Du Aull Services, Pacific Destinations, Sun Insurance, Slater Media and Aqua Pacific.
POOLS FOR THE UPRISING YOUTH 7s, Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka
A: Tuva Youth, Lomavata Kangaroos, Ratu Filise Youth, Togobula
B: King 7s Select, Skylink Natabua Beez, Rugby Academy (Fiji) 2, Dratabu
C: Rugby Academy (Fiji), Pacific Island Air Yasawa Youth, Ravuka Sharks, Davetalevu
D: Cuvu Blues Youth, Exotic Travel Fiji Nasaunivalu, Ratu Kadavulevu School, First Light Taveuni
E: Hong Kong Youth, Northern Spirit, Nailaga, Ra Barbarians
F: KISSP Investment Wesley Fijian, Cuvu Marine, Sigatoka River Safari Henibua, Malolo.
For more information: fijicoralcoastsevens.com
The Hong Kong Rugby Union dominated the arrivals hall at Nadi International Airport today (Monday).
Three national teams - men's, women's and youth - have descended on Fiji for the eighth annual Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens which starts on Wednesday.
The men's team are drawn in a pool with three powerful local teams Ratu Filise, Tovolea and McDonald's Saunaka, who they lost to in the semi final of the Bowl last year.
"The interest from overseas teams adds further opportunity for local players to be exposed to high level 7s rugby," said founding chairman Jay Whyte. "It will be a great experience for local players to be able to play against national teams from overseas."
Hong Kong women play Snax Nadi Aviators and Striders while the youth team faces Northern Spirit, Nailaga and Ra Barbarians. Both teams are making their first visit to Sigatoka
A Japanese national women's development team arrives tomorrow for their second tilt at the Crest Na Iri Trophy while USA Stars, an invitational club, is fielding two teams - men's and women's - in the Coral Coast Sevens.
"USA Stars 7s team is thrilled to be making our debut at the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast 7s," said team manager Elizabeth Entwhistle.
"Our team has players and coaches hailing from Fiji and it has been a dream destination for us given the hospitality, the friendliness, and the quality of rugby in the islands."
Media from all three nations will be at Lawaqa Park with Tourism Fiji supporting rugby journalists Sam Agars, Rich Freeman and Brian Hightower, as well as New Zealander Peter White, to the tournament.
Ambassador DJ Forbes, the former New Zealand Sevens captain, referee Rasta Rasivhenge, 'the Maestro' Waisale Serevi and Olympic-winning coach Ben Ryan are all guests of the tournament.
"When DJ announced his retirement, we thought it would be a great opportunity to invite him to Fiji to be the ambassador for the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens," said Whyte. "We will unveil his plaque on the Rugbytown walk of fame alongside the likes of David Campese, Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu and George Gregan.
"We also welcome the return home of Ratu Peni Rayani to spend time at the tournament. Rasta Rasivhenge is coming back for the second time and we also have Serevi coming back."
In total 24 youth, 16 men's and nine women's teams square off at Lawaqa Park over four days with the Uprising Youth 7s kicking off the action on Wednesday.
For the second consecutive year the tournament offers free entry to spectators.
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is sponsored by MANA Whey Protein, Crest, Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari, Uprising Fiji Beach Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Shangri-la's Fijian Resort & Spa, CFL, Fiji Times, Fiji TV, Vodafone, McDonald's, Gecko's Resort, Bedarra Beach Inn, BLK, Mana Graphix, GO Advertising, Airports Fiji Ltd, Hot Glass Fiji, Sports Now, Tappoo, Quality Print, Bula Car Rentals, Du Aull Services, Pacific Destinations, Sun Insurance, Ben Slater and Aqua Pacific.
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For more information: fijicoralcoastsevens.com
Record-breaking rugby sevens player DJ Forbes is set to be a chief guest of the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in January.
The former New Zealand Sevens captain will be unveiled on Sigatoka's Rugbytown Walk of Fame joining Waisale Serevi, David Campese, Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala, Jonah Lomu, Karl Tenana, Lote Tuqiri and George Gregan.
โI am looking forward to it as me and my family love visiting Fiji," said Forbes. "I've had some pretty good highs in sevens and being part of the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens will be another.โ
The 34-year-old appeared in a remarkable 89 world sevens series tournaments over 11 years being on the winning side in 26 of those and claiming six World Series titles.
Forbes also captained New Zealand to gold at both the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2013 Sevens World Cup in Russia.
Popular referee Rasta Rasivhenge will return to Lawaqa Park along with three national teams - men's, women and youth - from Hong Kong. The men's team participated in 2017 where they made the Bowl semis.
โThis tournament has to rank up with the highest standard across board of all tournaments Iโve ever been to in 14 years," said Hong Kong RFU High Performance manager Dai Rees. โThe top eight teams here could easily go and compete on the world series and itโs a phenomenal experience in Sigatoka.โ
Sixteen men's, eight women's and 20 youth teams - a blend of local and overseas sides - will participate in the eighth Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.
"We are proud to continue our support of Fiji's premier rugby sevens tournament," said Chris Zaymaan, General Manager Fiji, Goodman Fielder International. "With legends like DJ and Rasta in attendance there will no doubt again be big crowds at the Mana Whey Coral Coast Sevens 2018.
"Having nations like Hong Kong see the benefits of the tournament is great news for all involved. We have supported women's rugby since the introduction of the Crest Na Iri Trophy in 2012 and are delighted that their women's team will be coming.
โWe already look forward to the next Olympics so the Uprising Youth Sevens is a key part of the tournament as well. It is set to be a festival of rugby in less than 100 days from now.โ
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens will be held on 17-20 January 2018 at Lawaqa Park. Further teams will be announced in due course.
A team of farmers from the garden island of Taveuni have pulled off a surprise win at the Coral Coast Sevens in Fiji, taking out the cup final on their first appearance in the tournament.
As expected the women's event was won by the shadow Fijiana squad, who brought an impressive run by the visiting Japanese team to an end in the decider.
Pacific Beat's sevens specialists, Nick Jordan, was at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, to see the action unfold.
The Garden Island of Taveuni is celebrating their status as the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens Champion.
The debutants scored two tries to win 12-10 in a closely-fought Cup final against Wardens and walk away with $20,000.
Captain Lemeki Tulele was awarded the Campese-Serevi Medal for Player of the Tournament.
Taveuni, who qualified for the Coral Coast Sevens via the Final Four in November, made it to the Cup final with an impressive 17-10 win over Crow's Nest Yasawa in the semi final, while Wardens defeated Army 19-5 with a solid performance.
Tulele said this win means everything to the team, their families and their island community.
โWe always call them (families) after every game as they watch it on TV back at home and they go around in the green colours all over Taveuni,โ he said.
โWe play locally, sometimes we go to Vanua Levu but this is our first time here - we are really happy.โ
Defending champions Police claimed the Outrigger Beach Resort Plate after being beaten by Taveuni in the quarter final while Saunaka won the Tourism Fiji Bowl over Germany.
Germany, one of two international teams which had faltered on the first day, hit back on the second securing wins over BLK Iron Courage 17-14 and Shangri-La Daveta 22-19 before coming unstuck against the Pio Tuwai-inspired Saunaka.
Their win the semi was one of the all-time great comebacks. Scoreless in the first half, the visitors overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat Daveta 22-19 at the final siren.
Hong Kong went no further than the Bowl semis going down to Saunaka also by two points and missing a conversion on the last play of the day.
Hong Kong RFU High Performance manager Dai Rees was not at all fazed by the teamโs performance over the competition and sang the praises of the tournament overall.
โIt's my first visit to Fiji and Iโve got to say this tournament has to rank up with the highest standard across board of all tournaments Iโve ever been to in 14 years.
โThe top eight teams here could easily go and compete on the world series and itโs just been a phenomenal experience.
โAs a senior manager with the union at Hong Kong Iโll certainly be bringing the players back โ and I have an ambition to bring down a junior team and even a womenโs team."
Former New Zealand Sevens captain Karl te Nana echoed Rees' comments.
"It really has become a top-class event and the way itโs run, the way the people have come in and supported it from Sigatoka and all over Fiji, I think is a real credit to all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes," he said.
"There are lessons in the performance of Taveuni that of youโre willing to work hard, believe in each other and do the team work then things will come. It was a tough Cup final and they showed a lot of resilience and in the end they got the rewards."
Te Nana called the Coral Coast Sevens the premier tournament in Fiji given the eight women's and 24 youth teams that also made up the event.
The MANA Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is proudly supported by Goodman Fielder Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari, Tourism Fiji, Outrigger Beach Resort, Uprising Beach Resort, Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa, The Naviti Resort, Crow's Nest Resort, Geckoโs Resort, Bedarra Beach Inn, Fiji Times, Viti FM and Fiji TV.
RESULTS OF THE MANA WHEY FIJI CORAL COAST SEVENS
I-wau (Cup)
First Light Taveuni 12 Wardens 10
Plate
Police 19 Uluinakau 17
Bowl
McDonald's Saunaka 21 Germany 19
Shield
prising 28 BLK Iron Courage 12
Full results and draws are available on http://fijicoralcoastsevens.com/schedule-and-results/
