THE Uso Tasi team have been putting in the hard yards as they prepare for their debut at the Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka this Thursday.
The Solomon Islands team secured their place in the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Sevens by defeating Yalovata Spearhead in the final qualifying match at the Super Sevens tournament held in Sigatoka last December.
Since qualifying, the team has been training rigorously and engaging in quality scrimmage sessions with local sides in preparation for the much-anticipated Coral Coast Sevens tournament.
Currently, the team is based in Rawaqa at the residence of former Fiji Sevens representative and Coral Coast Sevens tournament director Radal Kamea, who introduced the team to the Marist Rugby Club.
The club has stepped in to support Uso Tasi by providing the services of coach Viliame Turagavou for their upcoming tournament.
To strengthen the squad and aid in the development of the Solomon Islands players, the club has integrated a few local players into the team.
“I started this team in 2024, bringing some Fijians to the Solomon Islands and the team to help develop rugby there,” said Uso Tasi Rugby Club founder Jerry Tengemoana.
Tengemoana anticipates stiff competition at the prestigious tournament but believes it will be an invaluable learning experience for the entire squad.
“My goal is to develop the boys. Most of them haven’t played at the Coral Coast before, so it will be a great experience for both the local and Solomon Islands players,” he said.
Meanwhile, Keli Tuidravu is eager to once again play alongside the Uso Tasi team at the upcoming Coral Coast Sevens tournament.
The Bua native was a key player at the Super Sevens tournament and is excited to make his Coral Coast debut this year, thanks to an invitation from the Uso Tasi squad.
