Rachael Burford has been named a 2027 Tournament Ambassador for the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s and will become the 21st inductee into the Rugbytown Walk of Fame.
The former England international and 2014 Rugby World Cup champion will join All Blacks legend Christian Cullen as an ambassador for the 15th edition of the tournament, which will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka from January 14-16.
Cullen was recently named Inductee No.20, setting up a high-profile pairing of two international rugby greats for the 2027 tournament.
Burford represented England in both 15-a-side and sevens rugby, including at the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in 2009.
She later helped England win the 2014 Rugby World Cup in Paris after defeating Canada in the final.
Her induction is particularly significant as she will become only the second woman to be recognised in the Rugbytown Walk of Fame.
Tournament founding chairman Jay Whyte said Burford’s contribution to women’s rugby made her a fitting ambassador and inductee.
“More importantly, she has continued to use that experience and her standing within the sport to advocate for women and girls in rugby, create opportunities, encourage participation and push the women’s game forward,” Whyte said.
He said Burford’s presence would inspire young women and girls in Fiji and demonstrate that women have a place at every level of rugby.
The Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji Women’s Division will again feature local and overseas teams, while entry to the three-day tournament remains free.
