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 TEIVOVO.COM – FIJI INTERNATIONAL 7s
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Eric Rush with the main prize back in 2000
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International 7s returns to Fiji
The Fiji Rugby Union announced Tuesday that it will host the Fiji International 7s on 19/20 January 2007, after an absence of seven years.
“We are delighted that what we have been planning for some months now can finally be confirmed,” chief executive Timoci Tavanavanua said.
“We have the full support of the International Rugby Board so this will be a satellite tournament to cater for Pacific Rim teams and all the Tier 3 FORU nations.”
The tournament, the first of its kind in Fiji since February 2000, will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
“We are hoping to follow exactly the same format as the IRB 7s tournaments – that is 16 teams in four pools of four playing over two days,” Tavanavanua said.
“We have already contacted the teams to gauge their interest and most have given positive responses. It may also transpire that some of the visiting international teams may wish to stay in Fiji for an extra week before traveling to Wellington.”
Tavanavanua said the FRU has long looked forward to hosting this event again and the decision to proceed comes at an opportune time for the country.
“With talk of some sporting events possibly being moved away from Fiji in 2007, we believe it’s very important to continue with our plans to host a first-class international tournament that will make Fiji proud.”
“We have all the skills and experience to do just that, so we’re really looking forward to welcoming international rugby players and fans from around the Pacific to enjoy a festival of rugby at the home of the World Cup 7s champions.”
Veteran sevens star Eric Rush led New Zealand to a remarkable 31-5 victory over Fiji at the Air Pacific Sevens in Suva back in 2000.
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