CORAL Coast sevens tournament major sponsor McDonald’s Fiji has praised the organisers of the annual event in helping improve 7s rugby in Fiji.
McDonald’s Fiji managing director Marc McElrath said the annual tournament continued to unearth raw Fijian 7s talents.
The four-day tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, ended on Saturday.
Police team from Suva retained the title after overcoming a spirited Namatakula Village team called Ratu Filise 17-14 in the men’s cup final.
McElrath said it was a match between
David and Goliath because of the comparison in the financial and technical support behind the two teams.
“It’s great to see a village team such as Ratu Filise which does not have the resources that some other big teams have in urban areas, come into this tournament and showcase their talents,” McElrath said.
“Coach Baber was sitting in the tent . “I think he may have picked up some names from these teams and Ratu Filise nearly made it, but the Police team was a bit better.”
Meanwhile, tournament director Jay Whyte was impressed with the fi nal and how 7s rugby has evolved through the years in Fiji.
“The four days is just a great example of how great the quality of rugby in Fiji is,” Whyte said.
“To see a Police team go up against a village team and the difference was the lineout, shows the talents we have.
“Our goal has always been about unearthing raw talents and I thank the
sponsors, organisers, officials, securities, The Fiji Times and the spectators for a brilliant four days of rugby sevens at its best.”
Meanwhile, Sigatoka River Safari Henibua defeated USA Falcons 17-12 in
the shield final, Raiwasa Taveuni beat Fijian Shangri-La’s 19-10 and Uluinakau beat Red Wings 21-12 in the plate fi nal.
Rugby legends such as Rupeni Caucaunibuca, former New Zealand 7s
skipper Karl Tenana, former England 7s captain Ben Gollings, former rugby dual international and Fijian Lote Tuqiri, and the late Jonah Lomu’s family, were guests of the tournament.
