DEFENDING champions Birdland Brothers will have their title on the line when 15 challengers from Fiji, Australia and New Zealand descend on Sigatoka for the 2027 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s.
With three nations represented and 16 teams chasing the crown, the BRED Bank Youth Division is shaping up to be an exciting contest when the action kicks off at Lawaqa Park from January 14 to 16.
Birdland Brothers have already shown they can handle the pressure, having beaten Village Boys 19–12 in the 2026 youth final to claim the title. However, retaining that crown will be another challenge, with overseas opposition adding an international dimension to the competition.
Fiji will lead the numbers with 10 teams, ensuring strong local representation in the battle for youth rugby sevens supremacy.
Alongside Birdland Brothers, the Fijian line-up includes Waqavuka Rugby Club, Dominion Brothers, Southland Broncos, Village Boys U20, Devo Young Babas, Serevi Selects, Nationwide Rugby 7s Plus, AJ Pallet Ba River and Navatu Secondary School U19.
Meanwhile, Australia will bring four teams into the contest, with Pacific Nomads, Sunnybank Dragons, Gunnedah Red Devils and Sydney Bula preparing to test themselves against the local sides.
New Zealand will also be in the mix through Waitaha Maori and Waterboy Youth, completing a 16-team field with plenty to play for.
With teams from three countries competing for the same prize, the tournament will give emerging players a chance to showcase their talent, test their skills against unfamiliar opposition and make their mark on the Coral Coast 7s stage.
An advertised prize pool of approximately $40,000 adds further incentive for the teams chasing the championship, although the amount should be confirmed with organisers before publication.
With the defending champions back and overseas challengers joining the race, the stage is set for three days of youth rugby sevens action at Lawaqa Park.
Entry will be free throughout the tournament.
