McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s: Sigatoka’s Premier Rugby Event
December 22, 2023 – The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s continues to showcase international rugby talent, bringing together legendary players from around the world. Tournament founder Jay Whyte emphasized that the 2024 edition will live up to the event’s growing reputation, as more international teams are set to compete alongside local Fijian teams at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
“We wanted to give Fijian boys and girls the chance to compete against these international teams. It was part of the vision for the tournament,” Whyte said. “It’s also about bringing these stars closer to the people of Fiji so they can experience the excitement firsthand, not just through a screen.” Teams such as New Zealand 7s Development, Samoa, USA Falcons, and Pacific Nomads from Australia have already confirmed their participation.
The men’s division winner will take home $20,000, while the women’s division champion will receive $15,000. The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s is set to take place from January 18-20, 2024, promising an exciting and vibrant event for both local and international rugby fans.
Jerry Tuwai to Feature in Mike Friday Select 7s Team for Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s 2025
December 13, 2024 – Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai will play for the Mike Friday Select 7s team at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, set to take place from January 16-18, 2025. Tuwai will join a star-studded lineup that includes South Africa’s Rosco Specman and Ireland’s Harry McNulty. This marks an exciting moment for the tournament, as these world-renowned players will be teaming up together for the first time, raising the anticipation among fans.
The tournament will showcase 44 teams, with 16 men’s teams, 16 youth teams, and 12 women’s teams. Among the men’s division, eight teams will be international, and eight will represent local talent. The inclusion of seasoned 7s veterans like Tuwai, Specman, and McNulty promises to bring heightened intensity and skill to the competition. Fans can expect thrilling rugby action as these players showcase their expertise on the field.
The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s will take place at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, providing a vibrant stage for top-tier international and local teams. With high-profile athletes like Tuwai involved, the event promises to be one of the most exciting rugby sevens tournaments of 2025.
Free Entry Again at Coral Coast Sevens 2025
December 1, 2024 – The Coral Coast Sevens 2025 will return to Lawaqa Park from January 16-18, offering fans the incredible opportunity to watch world-class rugby without any cost. For seven years, the tournament has remained free to attend, thanks to the generous support of sponsors like McDonald’s and Tappoo. This tradition makes the excitement of sevens rugby accessible to all, from families to die-hard fans.
McDonald’s Fiji Managing Director Marc McElrath highlighted the tournament’s growing popularity and its positive impact on the rugby scene in Fiji. “The event is getting bigger and bigger, we’re seeing more and more international teams, so the level of sevens in the country is getting better, and this presents a bigger challenge for some of our local teams,” said McElrath. The tournament will feature a mix of local and international teams, offering three days of intense rugby action.
With free entry, fans can simply walk into the event, find a good spot, and enjoy the games. It’s rugby for the people—an event not to be missed.
Drua to Join 7s Fiesta
October 19, 2024 – The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team is set to compete in the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, adding to the excitement of the prestigious tournament. This announcement was made by both the Drua and tournament organizers in Sigatoka. Known for attracting legendary rugby personalities such as Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu, and George Gregan, the Coral Coast 7s has become a key event on the rugby calendar, drawing top-tier teams and players from around the world.
Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson expressed his enthusiasm about the Drua’s participation, calling it a valuable opportunity for the team to showcase their 7s skills. The Drua, who primarily compete in the 15s format, will now have the chance to test their abilities against some of the best 7s players in the country. Jackson emphasized that this event is a great platform for Drua players to gain experience in the shorter format of the game.
Tournament founder Jay Whyte also shared his excitement, thanking the Drua for their support. He noted that the Drua’s immense popularity in Fiji—demonstrated by the fact that 55% of the nation tunes in to watch their games—adds an exciting dimension to the tournament. Fans can look forward to seeing the Drua team compete alongside other top international and local teams during the three-day tournament, which will take place from January 16-18, 2025, at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Countdown to Coral Coast 7s Begins
January 4, 2024 – As the McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s tournament draws closer, excitement is building among rugby fans, and tournament founder Jay Whyte reflects on the journey of organizing this prestigious event. While the task of bringing such a high-caliber tournament to life presented challenges, Whyte sees it as an opportunity to provide locals with a chance to witness top-tier rugby.
“This is the 12th edition, the 12th chapter of the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens,” says Whyte. “We’re very proud of its humble beginnings and where it has developed over the years.” This year’s competition promises to deliver fierce action across all three divisions. In addition, the tournament has raised the stakes, with an impressive prize pool of 75,000 Fijian dollars, making it the richest prize pool in Fiji.
Whyte is particularly excited about the lineup of international rugby stars set to feature in the tournament. The Coral Coast 7s will kick off on January 18th at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, offering rugby fans a thrilling three-day event.
FURTHER READING: For those interested in exploring this topic further, additional resources and in-depth materials are provided below when available; otherwise, no further reading is included at this time.:
REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.