Seahawks eye title

THE Seahawks 7s rugby team is the top seed in the women’s competition in the Fiji Bitter Malomalo 7s tournament that starts at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka today.

Tournament co-ordinator James Vunituraga said the presence of the Elenoa Kunatuba-coached side would boost the campaign for more women to play rugby in the Nadroga-Navosa Province.

“It is a big thing for the people of Nadroga-Navosa knowing that a top Fijian coach in women’s rugby such as Elenoa Kunatauba attending their tournament,” Vunituraga said.

“Seahawks is a champion side and their participation at Lawaqa Park this weekend, will motivate women who want to play rugby. Our Fijians’ 7s and 15s teams are doing well because of the interest of the players.

“They went through barriers in the start of their career, but their determination and sacrifice has resulted in the whole country celebrating the wins they achieved at the Tokyo Olympics and the Super W competition.

“Women’s rugby is growing in Fiji and has shown that it is here to stay.

“This is the first time, women’s rugby will be held at the Fiji Bitter Malomalo 7s with Police and two Nadroga teams competing. Next year we plan to include more women’s teams.”

Meanwhile, Vunituraga is calling on rugby fans planning to watch the tournament to produce vaccination cards and any form of identification.

“This is ensure that we follow the COVID protocol. We are able to stage sports tournament again because our vaccination rates has gone up.

“We encourage people top follow the rules of the tournament in order for us to enjoy watching sports, especially rugby.”

Admission fees:

Today - $5 adults, $2 children. Tomorrow: $7 adults, $2 children.