An Aussie Select 7s team will once again travel to Fiji to compete in the legendary Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament in January.
The development team returns to the island nation after making their debut last year in the famous tournament, competing for the i-Wau Trophy and the FJ$50,000 prize purse.
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Australia's participation comes with support from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program.
The event in January saw a host of rising stars take part, including ACT Brumbies and FNP centre Jarrad McLeod, along with Sevens World Series members James McGregor, Kye Oates, Daily Bird and Henry Palmer.
They were eliminated by New Zealand in the quarter-finals, with Aussie Select 7s head coach Shannon Fraser energised for an improved showing.
“We’ve taken a lot of learnings from last year’s competition," Fraser said.
"Several players used that experience to further themselves and have since gone on to represent Australia at the international level.
"Fiji sets the benchmark for sevens rugby - there’s no tougher environment to test your composure, skill, and physicality. Our players are hungry, determined, and proud to represent Australia in Sigatoka.
"They know the standard will be world-class, and they’re ready to embrace the challenge.”
Tournament Founding Chairman Jay Whyte welcomed the announcement, noting the ongoing significance of Australia’s participation at Fiji’s premier rugby festival.
“Rugby Australia’s decision to send their development squad demonstrates just how valuable the Coral Coast 7s has become as a proving ground for emerging talent," he said.
"The Aussie Select 7s always bring intensity, professionalism, and excitement - and their determination to lift the i-Wau Trophy will only elevate the competition.”
“Rugby continues to be an amazing link between Australia and Fiji. Through initiatives such as the PacificAus Sports program, our athletes play together, train together, and continue to strengthen the bonds between our countries," Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts added.
"The Coral Coast 7s embodies the competitive spirit shared by both nations, and we are pleased to see Australian pathway players gain valuable experience in Fiji. Sorry to say, but I am going for the Aussie Select! But good luck to all!”
About PacificAus Sports
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative creating opportunities for Pacific athletes, coaches, officials and administrators to access high performance training and elite competition. The program partners with Australian national sports organisations to support a range of sports, including rugby league, rugby union, netball, football, AFL, cricket, tennis, basketball, and Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports. PacificAus Sports also partners with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) to promote Pacific sport through ABC Television’s ‘That Pacific Sports Show’ and ABC Radio’s ‘Fresh Off the Field’. The high performance outcomes of PacificAus Sports are complemented by the Australian Government’s Team Up program, which focuses on sport for development in the Pacific. For more information about PacificAus Sports and its activities, visit www.pacificaussports.gov.au and follow PacificAus Sports on Facebook.
