Top 7s battle
O’CONNOR: ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS NEED TO STEP UP
THE stage is set for the first Fiji Rugby Super 7s Series which kicks off next week at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The two-day tournament on January 22-23 is the first leg of the new series.
In a statement this week0, Fiji Rugby Union CEO, John O’Connor said arrangements with the Fiji Sports Council in regards to the facilities for the series have been finalised.
O’Connor also confirmed that 14 men’s teams including the two wild card entries have been accepted to participate in the tournament.
He added this will be an exciting tournament that will showcase the abundance of talent we have in the country.
Other clubs had shown interest to participate but only 16 men’s teams and four women’s teams have been accommodated.
The four women’s teams are Mt Masada, Mt Camel, Striders and Seahawks.
O’Connor says all pool games will be played on Friday with the knockouts to take place on Saturday.
“Players who are part of the Fiji men’s extended squad will feature for their own clubs in this first leg of the Super 7s Series while the members of the Fijiana 7s will form two teams and play in their round robin pool games,” he said.
“We are excited that there has been interest in sponsorship for the tournament and are continuing negotiations with these interested sponsors and we expect to make an announcement prior to the tournament.
“Having said that, we have assisted each team with $500 preparation and participation funding,” O’Connor said.
He confirmed other benefits will be determined after the finalisation of sponsors and teams will be advised accordingly.
“They will play round-robin matches with the top two to face off in the final. The other two teams will fight for third and fourth place, respectively.
The format for the Super 7s Series is similar to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series whereby teams will be awarded points and in the final tournament, the team that has the most points will be awarded the title for the series.
He also confirmed that all HSBC series rules and regulations will be implemented in the running of the tournament and also during the matches.
“This will be a challenge for everyone including Fiji Rugby Union and all participating teams will be required to step up so we can deliver a high quality tournament.
“Fiji rugby has been working closely with the participating teams in regards to the terms of participation and the rules and regulations to ensure that the tournament is run smoothly as the implementation is based on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series,” O’Connor highlighted.
Tickets for the two-day competition have been made affordable for spectators and O’Connor says that “this level of competition is one the fans will not want to miss as they will have the opportunity to watch the Fiji men’s and women’s 7s squad members go head-to-head against each other while playing for their respective clubs”.
Ticket prices are, $10 Grandstand and $5 Ground for both days at the Lawaqa Park.
The 16 men’s teams have been divided into the following 4 Pools:
Pools:
Pool A: Tabadamu, Police White, BLK Stallions, Eastern Saints. Pool B: Police Blue, Raiwasa Taveuni, Fire, Wadigi Salvo. Pool C: FDS Barbarians, RT Felise, Wardens, Yamacia. Pool D: Uluinakau, Army, Dominion Brothers, Nawaka