Next gen of 7s talent

INTERNATIONAL SIDES ADD FLAVOUR TO TOURNEY

THE 2023 McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens tournament hopes to unleash the next generation of young talent that will represent our country in the future.

Sixteen teams have confirmed their spot in the Outrigger Youth division that will feature some of the best upcoming 7s talent Fiji has to offer.

Joining the local teams will be three international sides; the PacificAus Sports Aussie Youth 7s team from Australia, a Japan SDS side and a Pacific Island Rugby team.

Also part of the competition is the Fiji U20 team coached by Fiji Airways Fiji 7s assistant coach Viliame Satala and two-time Olympics gold medallist Jerry Tuwai.

The tournament’s founding chairman, Jay Whyte, said packed with young raw talent from around Fiji, the two days would see these talents being unleashed.

“The Outrigger Youth division will once again give the rising talent of Fijian rugby a wonderful stage to perform on and we are sure they will not disappoint,” Whyte said of the 11th edition of the three-day tournament which kicks off on January 12.

“With the quality of teams always on the ascension and the fact that Australia and Japan have both identified this tournament as the perfect development tool for their youth squads, this gives you a real indication of the quality of the tournament.”

Whyte also thanked Fiji 7s maestro Waisale Serevi for putting together a team again for this year’s tournament.

Called the King 7s Select, the side has competed in the Youth Division since its inception in 2016. Players in the team have gone on to play on the world stage such as Temo Mayanavanua (Lyon, France), Iosefo Masi, Sireli Maqala, Viliame Rokobuli and Netani Vakayalia (Japan 7s), and Timoci Tavatavanawai (Moana Pasifika).

“We have seen numerous players go on to have wonderful careers post the tournament in all divisions,” Whyte added.

“We are looking forward to unleash more talents as long as the tournament runs.”