Stage Set for Super 7s Series
The stage is set for the first ever Fiji Rugby Super 7s Series which kicks off next week at the Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The two-day tournament from the 22nd to the 23rd of January is the first leg of the Super 7s Series and Fiji Rugby Chief Executive Officer, John O’Connor confirms that arrangements with the Fiji Sports Council in regard to the venue facilities and grounds have all been finalized.
O’Connor also confirmed that 14 men’s teams including the two Wild Card entries have accepted the invitation to participate in the tournament. He added that this will be an exciting tournament that will showcase the abundance of talent that we have in the country. He also confirmed receiving several other interests from other Clubs but that we can only accommodate 16 Men’s Teams.
The 16 men’s teams have been divided into the following 4 Pools:
| Pool A | Pool B | Pool C | Pool D |
| Tabadamu | Police Blue | FDS Barbarians | Uluinakau |
| Police Whites | Raiwasa Taveuni | Ratu Filise | Army |
| BLK Stallions | Fire | Warden | Dominion Brothers |
| Eastern Saints | Wadigi Salvo | Yamacia | Nawaka |
Four teams have also been confirmed in the Women’s Competition, Mt Masada, Mt Camel, Striders and Seahawks.
They will play round-robin matches with the top two to face off in the final. The other two teams will fight for 3rd and 4th place, respectively.
O’Connor says all pool games will be played on Friday with the knockouts to take place on Saturday.
“Players that 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” O’Connor added.
“We are excited that there has been interests in sponsorship for the tournament and are continuing negotiations with of these interested sponsors and we expect to make an announcement prior to the tournament. Having said that, we have however, assisted teams with $500 preparation and participation funding each” O’Connor said. He confirmed other benefits will be determined after the finalisation of sponsors and teams will be advised accordingly.
The format for the Super 7s Series is similar to the HSBC World 7s Series whereby teams will be awarded points and in the final tournament, the team that has the most points will be awarded the winner of the series. Further, he confirmed that all the HSBC rules and regulations will also be implemented in the running of the tournament and also during the matches.
These will be a challenge for everyone as everyone including Fiji Rugby and all participating teams will be required to step up so we can deliver a high-quality tournament.
“The FRU has been working closely with the participating teams in regard 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 7s Series” O’Connor highlighted.
“Tickets for the 2-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 whilst playing for their respective clubs”.
Ticket prices are, $10 Grandstand and $5 Ground for both days at the Lawaqa park.
The first leg of the Super 7s Series kicks off at 9.00am next Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd January.