Fiji Sun

Coral Coast 7s reputation draws in the best

- SIMIONE HARAVANUA SUVA

The Australian A women’s 7’s team is here to learn from one of the recognised tournament­s in the world the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s. They started their campaign beating Tagimoucia Ranadi and Ram Sami Army women on Thursday.

Speaking to SUNSports Rugby Australia’s Pacific Partnershi­ps Manager, Daniel Millis said the reputation of the tournament is big in Australia.

“The Coral Coast 7s has a reputation in Australia for being one of toughest tournament­s in the Pacific,” he said.

“We know this tournament would be an excellent developmen­t opportunit­y for our teams.

“Just to be here and play with some of the greatest athletes in the world is second to none.

“To get the exposure, experience and most importantl­y the physicalit­y is important for the players.

“Fiji continues to produce some of the best talents in women’s rugby. The Coral Coast 7s is the perfect test for our players. “With the PacificAus Sports, Rugby Australia and Fiji Rugby Union are working together to develop current and emerging talents to create greater opportunit­ies for Pacific teams and players to participat­e in Australian and regional rugby competitio­ns.”

Australian A captain, Bella Nasser added her team mates were thrilled to be here for the tournament.

“We are so excited to be in Fiji. PacificAus Sports continues to give Australian and Fijian payers the chance to meet, play and learn from each other,” he said.

“We really enjoyed today’s games and warm welcome from the Fijian fans. Vinaka to our Fijian Rugby Vuvale for the invitation to compete.”

The Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports programme is partnering with Rugby Australia and Fiji Rugby Union to accelerate the developmen­t of women’s rugby in the Pacific, including supporting the return of the Coral Coast 7s as an official tournament partner. Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrol­a

 ?? Photo: Pita Simpson ?? Action from the First Light against NNN Tubarua during the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on January 13, 2023.
Photo: Pita Simpson Action from the First Light against NNN Tubarua during the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on January 13, 2023.
 ?? Photo: Pita Simpson ?? Action from the Australian Schoolboys against the AJ Pallet Ba River during the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on January 13, 2023.
Photo: Pita Simpson Action from the Australian Schoolboys against the AJ Pallet Ba River during the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on January 13, 2023.

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