AXELLERATE has extended its partnership with the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s for another three years, strengthening its backing of one of Fiji’s biggest international rugby sevens showcases.
The extension will see Axellerate remain the tournament’s Official Apparel Partner when the 15th McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s returns to Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka from January 14-16.
With the partnership secured, attention now turns to a challenge that has remained unresolved since the tournament began — an overseas team winning the men’s title.
No overseas side has lifted the men’s crown at the Coral Coast 7s, and that record will again be tested next January when 24 men’s teams, 12 women’s teams and 16 youth teams compete, with about half of the field expected from overseas.
Tournament founding chairman Jay Whyte said the international presence remained a key part of the event.
“One of the things that makes the Coral Coast 7s so special is that we bring the international rugby world to Fiji rather than asking our grassroots players to find their way to the international stage,” Whyte said.
He said overseas teams provided local players with the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition on home soil.
“These overseas teams aren’t coming here for an exhibition. They come here to win,” Whyte said.
Axellerate managing director Fiji Anthony Toscano said the company was proud to continue its involvement.
“Axellerate’s vision is very similar to that of Jay Whyte and the Coral Coast 7s Committee. It is all about supporting the community and growing alongside grassroots sporting teams in Fiji,” Toscano said.
The deal sets the stage for another international challenge at Lawaqa Park, where visiting teams will again arrive chasing a breakthrough that has so far remained beyond their reach.
