Rugby enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to meet their star players today during the Walk of Fame program in Sigatoka.
According to McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s founding chairman Jay Whyte, the unveiling of plaques will start at 4pm, but players will be available for mingling and autograph signings an hour earlier.
This year’s highlight features the unveiling of a plaque by English 7s legend Dan Norton, the HSBC World Series all-time try scoring leader.
Norton joins a prestigious lineup of legends on the Walk of Fame, including David Campese, Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu, Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala, Karl TeNana, Lote Tuqiri, George Gregan, DJ Forbes, Bryan Habana, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Noa Nadruku, and Collins Injera.
“Joining Dan Norton in this exciting chapter of their rugby journey will be arguably the world’s greatest 7s coach Sir Gordon Tietjens.
Titch, as he is affectionately known, will be joining us to unveil his plaque on the Walk of Fame.
“Titch’s rugby CV is quite simply incredible with numerous accolades and achievements which might not ever be replicated. Titch will also be the head coach of the McDonald’s Ambassador All Stars team, which is a first for the event. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting addition to the tournament,” Whyte explained.
“We thank McDonald’s for their ongoing support of the tournament and additionally for their sponsoring of the Ambassador All Stars team which we created to keep the friendship between our former ambassadors, the 2024 inductees and our tournament.
“We thank our defending champions the Fiji Rugby Development team for coming back to battle it out against all comers, trying to take home the Youth title and claim the $10,000 first prize on offer,” Whyte added.
The tournament introduces a unique team concept, where emerging 7s talent joins tried-and-tested legends of the game.
The Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji Women’s division, supported by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, will feature 12 teams competing for equal prizemoney, promoting gender equality.
The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort Youth Division will showcase 16 top teams, including the return of the Japanese Youth team.
Defending champions, the Fiji Rugby Development team, will vie for the $10,000 first prize in this fiercely contested division.
The excitement is palpable as the Walk of Fame program promises to be a memorable occasion for rugby fans and players alike. Games start tomorrow.
