THE McDonalds Coral Coast Fiji 7s has now become a highly-anticipated spectacle, a long way since its humble beginnings at its home in Lawaqa Park in November 2010.
At the time, Red Rock lifted the men’s cup title after beating Army 29-28 in what was described by Times Sport as “a pulsating final” as its new find at the time, Peni Gaunimeke was the man of the hour in that match.
And since then, the tournament has grown from strength to strength with its founding chairman Jay Whyte being at the helm and steering it to become a prized fixture in Fiji’s rugby calendar.
For him, the growth over the years is attributed to the meet’s focus on the players and how spreading the word on it has driven the trajectory of it.
”I think it’s because we’ve had a real focus on the players, a focus on ensuring that they have a great time, that they spread the message,” Whyte said yesterday.
”They take the word not only around Fiji, but around the world. That’s why we get so many willing players (and) former players to come and be a part of it.”
A prominent aspect of the tournament has been its role in honouring notable players in 7s and 15s rugby through ambassadorial roles, which he explained, celebrated the true spirit of the game too.
”We acknowledge their service to their career by having the ambassadorial role, where we have the Walk of Fame induction.
“And that’s our mantra, that’s what we follow each and every year.”
This year’s Walk of Fame inductees are former New Zealand Black Ferns 7s player Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and South African 7s speedster Rosko Specman.
With the presence of the two former players amplifying the tournament’s drive and reach, Whyte also mentioned all was on track before kick-off began.
“Everything’s on track, everything all set, the teams, the special guests; they’re all here in the country so yes, looking forward to kick-off tomorrow morning (today),” he said.
And with all systems ready to go, Whyte says his job is almost done once the matches kick-off and the flow of events are in the players’ hands.
“My job’s done, almost, when we get to the first kick-off, because then it’s up to the players and the teams to take it from there and let them write their own history.”
The tournament will end on Saturday.
