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 women’s competition plays out over Wednesday and Thursday while the men’s 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