Fiji Rugby Union today unveiled a 4-series 7s tournament to be played in 2021, featuring the top 16 teams in the country, to provide the national teams’ needed game-time ahead of the Olympics.
The series which will open with the Sigatoka leg scheduled for 22-23 January at Lawaqa Park comes after World Rugby cancelled most of the HSBC 7s Series this year and the opening leg of the 2020/21 Series due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Supportive of the venture, national 7s coach Gareth Baber says it will provide national squad members’ quality games against quality competitors and also help lift the country’s quality of games he calls, Fiji’s ‘crown jewels’.
During the series, members of the national squad will be released to play for their clubs in the earlier stages but will be pulled into two teams as the HSBC 7s Series nears.
“We want to have those tough pool games to see how the teams progress…so the players are playing six tough games in every competition as we are focusing on preparing players who can reach the Olympics and be the best come July,” Baber said.
FRU chief executive John O’Connor says that teams that finish in the top eight on a regular basis in local tournaments will be considered. Already some teams have caught the eye and include, among others, Tabadamu, Ratu Filise, Taveuni, Army and Police.
Fijiana 7s coach Saiasi Fuli also welcomes the initiative saying the tournament will enable team officials “to gauge, monitor and will be the best selection tool forward…ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo next year.”
The team that amasses the most points at the completion of the Super 7s series will be declared the winner. Rugby House will confirm dates and venues for the other three tournaments once it engages sponsors.
At the same presser this morning, FRU revealed its branded 2021 calendars that will be sold at $3 each, earnings from which will go towards the national 7s teams’ preparation for the Olympics.
