The Australian national men’s and women’s teams have both confirmed their attendance at the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in November.Chairman Jay Whyte announced today that the Aussie Thunderbolts (men) and Aussie Pearls (women) were eager to discover the passion at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome both the Michael O’Connor-coached Thunderbolts and the Pearls who are the reigning Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens champions,” said Whyte. “Both sides will be using the tournament as preparation for a busy season on the world circuit and we are sure they will have an incredible experience in the spiritual home of the game.
“The presence of these two world-class sides, who join 12 other teams from overseas, is a wonderful endorsement for the Coral Coast Sevens and we thank the Australian Rugby Union for honouring us with their presence.”
The Thunderbolts are expected to feature the bulk of their squad from the opening round of the IRB Sevens World Series on the Gold Coast next month.
Fijian-born duo Dan Yakopo and Joe Lalagavesi, captain Ed Jenkins, rugby league convert Shannon Walker and rising star Pama Fou, are in the frame for selection.
The Pearls played in Lautoka in August where they finished runners-up to New Zealand at the Oceania Women’s Sevens and also recently won the Asia-Pacific Women’s Sevens, beating Japan 36-17 in the final.
Captain Rebecca Tavo, whose family hails from Rotuma, and Iliseva Batibasaga, the daughter of Fijian Sevens representative Isimeli, are among the players to watch in the side.
They complete the line-up for the inaugural women’s tournament which also features Fijiana, Marist Seahawks and Lady Babas (all Fiji), Sydney University, Parramatta Two Blues and Sunnybank (all Australia) and Auckland Marist from New Zealand.
The men’s tournament is the most exciting field in the three-year history of the tournament, with three national sides – Australia, Tonga and the Cook Islands – joining champion clubs Wardens, Sunnybank, Otago University and Daveta, sponsored sides Pacific Warriors, Serevi Select, Shangri-La Lomaiviti, Outrigger Nadroga, Naviti, Hideaway Hurricanes and Sigatoka River Safari Navosa the top eight teams from the upcoming Great Eight qualifier.
Two overseas teams are still to be announced.
Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens, which is on 15-17 November, is sponsored by Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa, Warwick Fiji, The Naviti Resort, Serevi Rugby, Air Pacific, Sigatoka River Safari, ANZ, Tappoo’s, Rosie Holidays, Maui Bay, King’s Neon Signs, Fiji TV, The Fiji Times and Communications Fiji Limited.
Tickets for the tournament will go on sale in October.
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