Sports enthusiasts can look forward to seeing top-tier rugby action as the popular McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens makes its return this week.
Originally designed to boost tourism during the off-season, the tournament has evolved under the leadership of founder Jay Whyte, expanding to include Women’s and Youth Divisions in 2014 and 2017, respectively.
This year, the tournament has welcomed a new partnership with Tourism Fiji, which promises to “showcase Fiji as a destination for sports enthusiasts and travellers alike”.
Tourism Fiji’s Chief Operations Officer, Leigh Howard, highlighted: “Rugby is woven into the very fabric of Fijian culture and identity, serving as our national sport, and the Coral Coast Sevens plays a vital role in spotlighting this”.
Whyte is grateful for the partnership, stating: “We’re able to bring in more and more people from overseas to experience Fijian hospitality, Fijian culture and discover the passion that is the Coral Coast Sevens.”
Meanwhile, Fijian rugby legend, Waisale Serevi, says many former Olympic players like Semi Kunatani and Kyle Brown are participating in the Coral Coast Sevens.
“We have the Fiji national team, along with the New Zealand 7s development team, and not forgetting the exciting local talents, and the club teams that are playing. That alone is worth coming out and watching,” he says.
The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coral Sevens is free upon entry. It takes place on January 18-20, 2024 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.
