Kolinisau, who was recently re-appointed by the Fiji Rugby Union for another four-year term with the Men’s National 7s team, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the 7s arena.

He is the first Fijian to captain a team to Gold Medal victory at the Rio Olympics and has led his squad to back-to-back HSBC World Series titles, embodying Fijian 7s excellence.

Kolinisau joins other rugby legends on the RugbyTown Walk of Fame including coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, England 7s star Dan Norton, and Kenya 7s standout Collins Injera.

Kolinisau added into RugbyTown Walk of Fame

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Of all the islands we have visited in Fiji, we found that Robinson Crusoe Island offers some of the best and most unique activities like cooking classes, firewalking, snorkeling, and hermit crab races (yes really!).

If an authentic and fun Fijian experience is what you’re after, there might be no better place to visit!

Not only does it have one of the best beaches in Fiji, but Robinson Crusoe Island offers so much more. It was once reserved for local ceremonies, but now anyone can visit this beautiful island.

There are a lot of ways to visit and we wrote this blog to help you know what to expect and plan a perfect day out to one of the country’s most culturally enriching islands. 

Robinson Crusoe Island is a great getaway in Fiji. I recommend booking this all-inclusive day and night combo tour.

You’ll have a day full of amazing cultural experiences and fun activities ending with a spectacular sunset and beach bonfire with a Fijian feast!

About Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji

Robinson Crusoe Island (local name Likuri Island) is located off of Fiji’s southwest coast.

Until the 1980s, Likuri Island was uninhabited except for its use in sacred ceremonies and as a place of recreation for the chief of the area. Perhaps the most significant thing about this island is that pottery dated to be over 3,500 years old was found on the island and is a direct link to Fiji’s first inhabitants.

It has become a place of learning and sharing Fijian culture as it is still used for ceremonies to this day. You will find that Fijians love sharing their unique history with visitors and this island is a great place to experience it!

So how did it get its modern name? For those who are unfamiliar with the book or movie Robinson Crusoe, the premise is of a man (Robinson Crusoe) who becomes shipwrecked off of an island north of Venezuela.

During his time surviving there, he has many different adventures with pirates, locals, and animals before eventually escaping the island.

While Venezuela is very far from Likuri Island the name came from the island’s similar descriptions from the book.

Where is Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji?

The island itself is a short distance off the coast, but tours begin slightly up the Tuva River located on mainland Fiji near Batiri.

If you are coming from Nadi or Denarau pick-up is usually 2 hours before the tour start time. It takes approximately 30 minutes to cruise down part of the river and across the calm waters of the bay to the island.

The boat you take down the river and to the island is a small, covered pontoon-style boat with no bathrooms or air conditioning.

The ride to the island was still very comfortable and I loved the feeling of the wind on my face as we made our way here!

It is important to note that tours to Robinson Crusoe Island only operate Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday so you will want to plan accordingly.

What are the best tours to Robinson Crusoe Island Fiji?

Robinson Crusoe Sunset Cruise, Dinner, and Cultural Show

We are huge fans of any sort of sunset cruise and dinner experience and Fiji has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! This Sunset Cruise, Dinner, and Cultural Show takes everything we love about Fiji and puts it into one convenient package! It only takes 5 hours and starts at 5 pm so it’s a great experience to end off one of your vacation days.

The evening starts with a stunning sunset cruise down the Tuva River and across the bay to Robinson Crusoe Island. Once you arrive, you will take part in a traditional kava ceremony. Kava is a drink made from the powder of a plant root mixed with water. I’ll be honest, it doesn’t taste good, but it is worth trying just to partake in this special ceremony.

You’ll have a bit of time to explore the island on your own. As you will find out for yourself, the people here are so friendly and everyone we met during our time on the island made us feel like family.

Dinner is an amazing Fijian lovo feast cooked in earthenware pots and served at your table as you enjoy evening performances. Fiji is known for its fire knife dances and the performers here really take it to the next level!

Unless you would like to purchase alcoholic drinks, everything on this tour is included for $123 USD.

Full-Day Fiji Culture Tour

This Full-Day Fiji Culture Tour is loaded with amazing experiences. From traditional performances to cooking classes and even hermit crab racing (you heard me right) you will come away with one-off-a-kind memories!

Beginning your day at 10 am, you head to Robinson Crusoe Island and have 5 hours here. I highly recommend spending at least a little time snorkeling around in the beautiful reefs just off the beach, but don’t miss a cooking class or coconut tree climbing!

Of course, there are the adorable and highly competitive hermit crab racing competitions you will undoubtedly want to participate in – especially if you’re traveling as a family. We saw some kids having a blast and big kids like us had fun too!

In between your morning and afternoon activities, you will be served a delicious Lovo lunch before rounding off the day with fire knife dancing performances. This tour includes lunch, transportation, and all activities for $108 USD.

Day and Night Combo Tour

If you can’t choose between the last two tours this Day and Night Combo Tour takes the best from both and combines it into one! It’s one of the most popular tours to take to Robinson Crusoe Island and offers a multitude of activities over the 11-hour day. As soon as you set foot on the island, you will be greeted with a traditional kava ceremony, and from there, a fun-filled day of cultural activities begins!

In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take part in basket weaving, catching mud crabs, pottery making, and snorkeling. However, my favorite activity was taking a jungle walk to the site where they found the 3,500-year-old pottery! Seeing the location for yourself is a special experience and adds a deeper level of cultural significance to the island.

The evening starts with a delicious complimentary buffet and is followed up by a range of performances from firewalking and fire knife dances to traditional music and a bonfire. By the time you make it back to your hotel, you will be exhausted, but will have had an incredible day!

This tour is all-inclusive for $142 USD, so you don’t have to worry about transportation or food costs.

Where can you visit Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji from?

If you want to visit Robinson Crusoe Island for yourself, pick-up and drop-off are included for people staying in the Coral Coast region. If you are staying outside of those areas or not in a hotel you can arrange round-trip transportation through a local taxi service or your hotel. Keep in mind Fiji does not have ride-share services like Uber so you will need to set up transportation beforehand.

Do you need to book a tour to Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji in advance?

I would recommend that you book in advance since this is one of the most popular islands for cultural experiences in Fiji. Especially during peak tourist seasons, tickets can sell out a month or more in advance. The peak season for Fiji is June to September as the weather is best during this time.

Alternatively, for any New Zealand or Australian holidays, you can expect more visitors. So if you plan a visit during either country’s school break or Christmas time, you will want to book in advance.

What we love about booking on Viator is that it saves your spot in advance and lets you pay later. So if travel plans change, you can cancel your reservation or change the dates for a full refund up to 24 hours the day before your booking!

Is the cultural show good?

The cultural shows on Robinson Crusoe Island are some of the best in Fiji. I find it to be extra special since it was used as a location for significant ceremonies and rituals for thousands of years prior. Besides shows, you will also take part in ceremonies as well. When you take a trip to the island you’re in for a treat!

When you visit you will undoubtedly take part in a kava ceremony. Kava is a root that is used to make tea and you get a taste when you first arrive just about anywhere. It is fantastic for relaxation and a great community bonding experience. While I didn’t love the taste, I don’t regret trying it!

Fiji’s fire knife and Meke dances are world-renowned and have been performed for hundreds of years. In Fiji, these dances were and still are predominantly used for religious ceremonies or as an art form. The fire knife dance specifically was taught to warriors as a form of self-discipline and a way to demonstrate battle prowess.

Firewalking is practiced worldwide, but in Fiji, it is a way to honor your ancestors and respect the gods. It is still done at important events in Fiji like weddings and funerals.

Related Read: Another experience you won’t want to miss is visiting the Fiji Mud Pools and Hot Springs!

What is the food like on Robinson Crusoe Island Fiji?

Fijians can cook up some delicious food and Robinson Crusoe Island is no different. We found the food to be excellent and watching them cook it underground during the sunset dinner tour in earthenware pots was especially fun!

Generally, you will find that your included meals are a BBQ buffet with various meats, fish, vegetables, and salad. The food isn’t spicy and instead relies on local flavors from fresh vegetables and herbs.

Is the snorkeling good at Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji?

The snorkeling on Robinson Crusoe Island is decent, but not the best you will find in Fiji. While there are still some beautiful fish and coral reefs to see the best snorkeling in Fiji is found in the Mamanuca Islands.

Originally published by Destinationless Travel – February 26, 2024

https://destinationlesstravel.com/robinson-crusoe-island-fiji/

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Attention returns to HSBC SVNS 2024 this week, ahead of the inaugural tournament in Perth – but the centre of the sevens world seven days before the Western Australia party started was in Fiji, where the past, present and future collided at the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka.

Some of the world’s best lined up against an array of local talent and legends of the game in an invitational tournament that has grown to be the premier sevens event in the South Pacific.

Now in its 12th year, the 2024 edition of the tournament, held in steaming conditions at Lawaqa Park featured 16 men’s teams, 16 youth men’s teams and 12 women’s sides playing across a three-day event. 

Teams on show included shadow Fiji men’s and women’s teams in, effectively, a final trial or hit-out before Perth; a New Zealand men’s development side featuring Sam Dickson, Brady Rush and Amanaki Nicole; and New Zealand club team Matakesi, founded by Sarah Hirini, which counted Olympic gold medallists Shiray Kaka and Theresa Setefano (nee Fitzpatrick) among its ranks.

Each year, the tournament appoints ambassadors – this year Dan Norton and Sir Gordon Tietjens joined a list that includes Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana. 

For the first time, every past ambassador selected a player to represent them in an All Star side, allowing for a second generation of players – Woody Gollings, Vili Satala Jnr and Renata Roberts-Tenana – to wear the names of their legendary fathers on their backs as part of a team that also included Semi Kunitani, Kyle Brown and Billy Odihambo. That’s the calibre of sevens legends this event attracts.

Take everything you’ve ever heard about sevens in Fiji, multiply it by all the local teams, add in a crowd that turns out in droves, watching and cheering for hours over three days, and sprinkle it with the number of selfies Norton, Serevi, Karl Tenana and Tietjens took, and you’ll get somewhere close to what the experience is like. 

The quality of sevens is exactly what you’d expect. It’s a beautiful combination of reckless abandon and mad-lib footy; players always taking on the outside and backing their pace without a second thought; chips over the top; keeping the ball alive; shots on and shoulders in; giant men and nimble women, athletes each and every one of them from Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and villages across the island, representing Army, Navy, their villages and their families. 

For visiting teams, it is a baptism of fire. Just ask the USA Falcons, coached by the great Zack Test with Adam Channel, Jack Wendling and Maceo Brown among those in the line-up. Beaten in all three pool matches on the main field they found themselves on the back pitch in the classification games, and to be frank, no one truly knows what goes on at the bottom of a ruck out there. 

But what those teams experience pales into comparison next to what players of the national teams go through. International teams can’t enter the competition, but Fiji and Fijiana used the event as an effective warm-up for Perth with the wider squads playing as the Fiji Barbarians and the women as Mount Masada. While the expectation grows on the women’s team, it’s at a stratospheric level for the men’s side in this Olympic year. 

If you think Fiji face pressure on the series, playing at home is next level and most surprisingly the vast majority of fans wanted to see them lose. They may be heroes when they play in the famed white jersey on the series or at the Olympics, but in the middle of Lawaqa Park, they were the villains.

Every score against them, every shot put on them, every mistake they made, the crowd roared for the team doing the damage. Witness Joseva Talaco, the national captain at the past two series events, breaking out 60 metres, hearing the crowd whoop as he got hammered on the 22. 

Everyone has an opinion on the current state of the national team, perceptions of what’s “going wrong” as the series title drought extends, whether the current crop of players are good enough and whether the coach is up to it. 

The fact the BaaBaas side, which saw the return of Josua Vakurinabila and Ponipate Loganimasi from injury, went on to win the competition by beating Saunaka in the final may keep those questions at bay – but only momentarily. They eat, sleep and breathe the game in Fiji and, therefore, they expect their team to win… as long as it’s not against the local sides. 

Sir Gordon observed that Fiji is the hardest place to play but the best place to learn. For those visiting teams with budding series players or some who are already there, it proved exactly that. There’s always talk that a series event must be played in Fiji one day but the beauty of a tournament like Coral Coast is in the local sides, the local flavour.

Yes, the star names add a huge amount but the lack of bells and whistles makes it a unique and special experience on and off the field.  

If sevens is the game they play in heaven, maybe heaven is right here, in Sigatoka.

By Rikki Swannell

Originally published on https://www.world.rugby/

https://www.world.rugby/news/901893/three-days-at-the-fiji-coral-coast-sevens-pure-rugby-sevens-heaven

The post Three days at Fiji Coral Coast Sevens 2024 appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The side will be participating in this tournament for the first time and will be looking to make an impact and also take home the ‘Na Iri’ trophy.

But the challenge will be coming in from the Mount Masada 7s side, which is the Fijiana 7s shadow team and also the Manly Mermaids from Australia who are also eyeing the top prize.

Other international teams that will be participating in the ‘Na Iri’ trophy competition this year include the Vanuatu national women’s 7s team who are looking to expose their 7s players here in Fiji and also the Pacific Nomads side which will comprise players based in the regional NSW.

The ‘Na Iri’ trophy winners will walk away with $15,000 this year.

The 2024 McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s will be held from next Thursday to Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

The entry fee for the 3-day tournament will be free of charge.

By Mosese Raqio – Monday 08/01/2024

https://www.fijivillage.com/sports/Top-womens-7s-teams-around-the-Pacific-to-participate-in-this-years-Coral-Coast-7s-Na-Iri-competition-85f4rx/

The post Top women’s 7s teams around the Pacific to participate in this year’s Coral Coast 7s ‘Na Iri’ competition appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Men’s Pools at the 2024 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s

Men’s Pool A

The defending champion, Army, will battle Ratu Filise, Pacific Nomad and BDK Yalovata in Pool A.

Men’s Pool B

Fire, who were the runners-up in last year’s competition, lead pool B and will play against USA Falcons, Dominion Brothers and Ba Originals.

Men’s Pool C

The NZ Development team is in Pool C with Ambassadors All Stars, Devo Babas and Ravuka Sharks

Men’s Pool D

Fiji Babas are in Pool D with Tabadamu, Saunaka 7s and SRS Tubarua Highlanders.

The winning men’s team will walk away with a cash prize of $20,000.

The Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s will be held from the 18th to the 20th of January 2024 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

Women’s Pools at the 2024 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s

The women’s pools at the 2024 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s have been announced.

Women’s Pool A consists of Matakesi, Seahawks, Ba originals and Vatu Talei.

In Pool B is Mount Masada, Fire, Pacific Nomads and Western Drifters.

Pool C is Lilian Amazons, Manly Mermaids, Ezers and Vanuatu.

Youth Division at the 2024 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s

The post The pools at the 2024 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s have been announced appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

According to Whyte, organizing the tournament was a challenging task and required a significant amount of time.

He saw the challenge as an opportunity for locals to experience high-calibre tournaments.

“See, this is the 12th edition, the 12th chapter of the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens. We’re very proud of its humble beginnings to where it’s developed now over the years. “

“This year is going to see, obviously, great competition in all three divisions. We just last week announced the prize pool is 75,000 Fijian dollars. “

“So it’s the richest prize pool in Fiji.”

Whyte is excited to have famous and international players participate in the tournament in Fiji.

The Coral Coast 7s will kick off on the 18th of January at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

Zaitun Sahim – Multimedia Journalist – zaitun@fbc.com.fj

The post Countdown to Coral Coast 7s begins appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Tournament founder Jay Whyte says the tournament serves as the ideal platform to test the players in the shadow national side on how they fare against some international teams.

“So Ben Gollings has opted to field the Fiji Babaas, obviously because he knows New Zealand are coming, USA Falcons and Samoa so he sees this as a great opportunity for him also to blood new players and also some of the existing players in camp.”

Apart from the New Zealand 7s Development, Samoa, USA Falcons and Pacific Nomads side from Australia, Whyte says he is awaiting confirmation on the participation of another international team before releasing the draws for the men’s division.

There is a $20,000 prize money for the men’s winners while the winning team in the women’s division collects $15,000.

The Coral Coast 7s will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on January 18th to the 20th.

The post Opportunity awaits for Fiji Babaas at the 2024 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The chosen one? None other than the dynamic and skilled Semi Kunatani.

“My pick for the McDonald All Star team is Semi Kunatani, who is a great friend of mine he is a special player I was lucky enough to spend time in his village,” Gregan said.

The unveiling of the 6th pick took place yesterday, capturing the attention of rugby enthusiasts worldwide.

For George Gregan, selecting Kunatani was a nod to the Fijian player’s remarkable journey from local 7’s competitions to becoming a global force in the rugby sevens arena.

Kunatani’s rugby journey began on the local 7’s stage, honing his skills before receiving the call to represent the Fiji National Sevens side in Dubai in 2013.

His breakout year came in the 2014-2015 World Rugby Sevens Series, where he showcased his try-scoring prowess by netting an impressive total of 37 tries.

Kunatani’s stellar performance earned him a place in three World Rugby Dream Teams, marking his arrival on the international rugby scene.

Following his success, Kunatani signed with Toulouse, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the 2015-16 season.

Despite his commitments in France, he remained available to represent the Fiji Sevens team if the call came.

His dedication paid off when he contributed to Fiji’s gold-winning campaign at the Olympics. The Fijian rugby star then ventured to Harlequins ahead of the 2018/19 season, making a memorable debut by scoring twice against Agen and adding another try against Leicester Tigers that season.

In 2020, Kunatani signed a deal with Castres, solidifying his presence in the rugby arena. Gregan’s selection adds another chapter to Kunatani’s illustrious career, recognising the Fijian’s contribution to the sport globally.

The McDonald All Star Team already boasts incredible talent, with previous picks including names like Rico Syme, Kyle Liebenberg, Andrew Samuels, and Woody Gollings.

As Semi Kunatani gears up for the Coral Coast 7s, fans eagerly anticipate the electrifying moments he’s bound to deliver, adding his unique flair to an already star-studded lineup.

The stage is set for a rugby spectacle, and Kunatani’s inclusion ensures that the McDonald All Star Team is a force to be reckoned with at the Coral Coast 7s.

December 4, 2023
By Anasilini Natoga

The post Kunatani picked for All Star team in 2024 appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Tournament founder Jay Whyte says the 2024 edition will be no different with the number of international teams coming in to compete against local teams at rugby town in Sigatoka.

“It really is a wonderful opportunity for Fijian boys and girls to compete against these international teams. It was part of the vision of the tournament.

“We also wanted the people of Fiji to be able to see these guys up, close and personal rather than just through the TV screen.

“So being able to bring them to the Coral Coast 7s every year is a wonderful example of what we’re doing with the tournament.”

Whyte says so far, overseas teams such as New Zealand 7s Development, Samoa, USA Falcons and Pacific Nomads of Australia are confirmed to participate.

The tournament founder adds he is still awaiting confirmation from the last international team on whether they will participate by the end of today.

Meanwhile the winners in the men’s division will collect $20,000 while the winner in the women’s division will walk away with $15,000 in prize money.

The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on January 18th to the 20th, 2024.

The post McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s 2024 is a tournament for the people: Whyte appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Tournament founder Jay Whyte says he is hoping to finalize the participation of the team, which will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, by the end of the week.

“We’ve given this team until this week to confirm, they are waiting on financing from the support of their government but if it eventuates, which we hope it will, it will be a significant announcement. “

“It’s a team that is playing in the Olympics and it’s all about helping them build-up for the Paris Olympics next year.”

Whyte says 16 men’s teams will vie for the i-Wau Trophy and the $20,000 prize money.

The tournament founder says fans will be in for a treat with overseas teams such as New Zealand 7s Development, Samoa, USA Falcons and Pacific Nomads of Australia set to give local teams such as the Fiji Babaas and defending champions Army a run for their money.

The 2024 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on January 18th to the 20th.

Jale Daucakacaka – Multimedia Journalist – jale@fbc.com.fj
DECEMBER 21, 2023

The post Another international team eyed for Coral Coast 7s 2024 appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

This is the view of Mango Bay Resort owner Ed Duffy after selecting retired South Africa 7s legend Kyle Brown as its sponsor lottery pick for the Ambassador’s All Stars team.

Duffy says Brown is a fantastic rugby player and it is great to have a player of his caliber come to Fiji to participate in the three-day tournament.

Tournament founder Jay Whyte says since 2011, the competition has been able to attract legends of the game and the All Stars concept adds an exciting element, whereby renowned stars can select their own picks for the team.

The All Stars team will be coached by New Zealand 7s coaching guru Sir Gordon Tietjens.

The 2024 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on January 18th to the 20th.

Associate sponsors today selected a player each from the 14 picks in the All Stars team through a lottery draw at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

The players will wear their respective sponsor’s logos on the back of their jerseys during their games.

All Stars Players Sponsors

1. Rico SYME (NZ) – Vodafone Fiji
2. Kyle LIEBENBERG (South Africa) Sigatoka River Safari
3. Andrew SAMUELS (NZ) – Honey Badger
4. Woody GOLLINGS (Australia) – Icon Real Estate
5. Vili SATALA JR (Fiji) – Shangri-La Fiji Yanuca Island Resort
6. Renata ROBERTS TENANA (NZ) – Du Aull Services Fiji Pte Ltd
7. Aisake PENI (Fiji) – Silant Resort
8. Semi KUNATANI (Fiji) – Tappoo Group (Kia)
9. Jarell LUAFALEALO (NZ) – Magma Mines
10. Kyle BROWN (South Africa) – Mango Bay Resort
11. Sairusi VUNISA (Fiji) – Fiji Gas
12. Billy ODHIAMBO (Kenya) – Pacific Building Solutions
13. Gaspard LALLI (Belgium) – Simplify
14. Fletcher CARPENTER (NZ) – Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Jale Daucakacaka – Multimedia Journalist
jale@fbc.com.fj
DECEMBER 20, 2023

The post All Stars adds international flair to Coral Coast 7s 2024 appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

In announcing the Kiwis side’s participation, tournament founder Jay Whyte says the team, known as Matakesi will give a tough challenge to other teams for the Shangri-La Na Iri trophy.

Whyte says while Matakesi will be a very hard team to beat, they can expect an equally strong challenge from the shadow Fijiana 7s side, Mount Masada, which is coached by Saiasi Fuli.

Two other overseas teams, Manly Mermaids of Australia and the Vanuatu national side will be in the mix for a shot at the title.

Local clubs Seahawks and Nadi are also expected to be strong contenders.

Whyte says the winners of the Na Iri title will collect $15,000 in prize money.

Overseas teams confirmed so far in the men’s competition are the All Blacks 7s Development coached by Tomasi Cama, Pacific Nomads from Australia, the Samoan national side and the USA Falcons

The Coral Coast 7s will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka from January 18th to the 20th and will feature 16 men’s, eight women’s and 16 youth teams.

Jale Daucakacaka – Multimedia Journalist – jale@fbc.com.fj
DECEMBER 19, 2023

The post Shadow NZ women’s side for Coral Coral 7s appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

“My selection for the McDonald’s Ambassadors All Star Team is Fletcher Carpenter,” said Tietjens.

Otaki Mail reported last year Fletcher staked a claim to the New Zealand jersey after he made the Palmerston North Boys High School sevens team that played in the Gordon Tietjens Tournament in October.

Not only did he help his team win the tournament, when they beat Feilding Agricultural High School 22–7 in the final, Fletcher was also named the tournament’s most valuable player. Gordon Tietjens himself presented the MVP trophy to Fletcher.

This tournament was one of several sevens events Fletcher played late 2021, including the Condors Sevens tournament featuring schools from throughout New Zealand.

The 19-year-old was hailed by Sir Gordon on his speed.

“Fletcher is a very good 7s player, he’s youngster from New Zealand I named him player of the day from Palmerston North Boys High School, he’s got good potential and very quick. “He has all the qualities that are needed for a 7s player.

“Very humble player, I’m looking forward to a successful coral coast 7s,” Tietjens said.

By Anasilini Natoga, FIJI TIMES

The post Gordon Tietjens has picked youngster Fletcher Carpenter for the McDonald’s Ambassadors All Star Team appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Odhiambo was selected by Kenyan rugby legend Collins Injera.

The sevens tournament will begin on the 18th and end on the 20th January 2024.

It will feature 16 men’s, eight women’s and 16 youth teams.

Taina Tuiwai
Multimedia Journalist
taina@fbc.com.fj
DECEMBER 11, 202

The post Injera makes 12th pick for Coral Coast sevens appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The gala event took place at The Star Event Centre in Sydney, drawing a gathering of 1,000 esteemed hotel industry professionals.

OUTRIGGER’s Fijian properties claimed a series of significant accolades, showcasing the brand’s commitment to excellence.

On Friday 24 November, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort clinched multiple ‘People’ awards, solidifying their reputation as leaders in the industry:

• Best South Pacific General Manager – Darren Shaw, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort
• Best Food and Beverage Associate – Emmanuel Fumanu, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort
• Best Front Office Associate – Gerald Sharma, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort
• Best Housekeeper – Jesse Lawakeli, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort

Nestled along Fiji’s Coral Coast, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort epitomises luxury and traditional Fijian charm. With prime beachfront and lush gardens, it offers an idyllic escape for guests to enjoy warm hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and South Pacific views. The resort’s nearly completed refurbishment solidifies OUTRIGGER as a premier destination for a tranquil escape in paradise.

OUTRIGGER’s commitment to excellence continued with highly commendable recognition for both OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island in the following categories:

• Fijian Property – Castaway Island
• South Pacific General Manager – Steven Andrews, Castaway Island
• Concierge – Salote Naisua, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort

Ben Johnson, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Fiji Islands says: “We’re thrilled about our recent achievements at the 21st HM Awards, underscoring OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island’s commitment to excellence. Congratulations to our outstanding team.”

“Their dedication mirrors the warm Fijian hospitality we offer along the Coral Coast and into the Mananuca Islands. This recognition motivates us to continue delivering exceptional experiences and solidifies OUTRIGGER as a leader in South Pacific hospitality.”

The HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence are the leading industry awards in the region and celebrate the best properties, departments, people, chains, and brands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Each year, more than 1,500 nominations are assessed to determine more than 40 category winners.

https://www.thehotelconversation.com.au/news/2023/11/28/outrigger-resorts%E2%80%99-fijian-properties-celebrates-major-wins-hm-awards/1701145165

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Founding Chairman of the tournament, Mr Jay Whyte shared that “this concept came about when looking over the incredible legends of the game who have graced our shores as Tournament Ambassadors and an idea was born to create an Ambassador’s team that they themselves select players to represent them.
We really have been thrilled with the response from our former ambassadors to select someone they feel best represents them and the way they played the game. We will be releasing the names of these players, weekly leading up to the tournament on 18-20 January 2024.”

This incredible concept will enable the people of Fiji to cheer on a high caliber side, created by legends of the game and will be coached by the 2024 tournament Ambassador Sir Gordon Tietjens.

Keep watching this space as the tournament’s first Ambassador David Campese makes his pick, very shortly

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The tournament committee expressed their gratitude with a special thanks to McDonald’s for making this exciting inclusion possible.

McDonald’s Fiji managing director Marc McElrath emphasised the importance of 7s rugby in Fiji, not only as a beloved sport but as a recognised force on the world stage.

He said, “7s rugby in Fiji is a very important sport, and we are also recognised on the world stage. So, we are happy to contribute and expose some world talents.”

McDonald’s commitment was clear: they aimed to support Fiji in showcasing its remarkable talent to the world.

What made this announcement even more special was the involvement of 7s rugby legends and international stars.

Icons like David Campese, Waisale Serevi, Carl Tenana, George Gregan, Fiji 7s coach Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala, DJ Forbes, and the 2024 tournament ambassadors, Sir Gordon Tietjens and Dan Norton, were coming together to select the 12 members of the McDonald All Star Team.

Campese made the first selection and selected Rico Syme of New Zealand while 7s wizard Waisale Serevi will make his selection next week.

The coaching duties of this star-studded team would be in the capable hands of Tietjens, a legend in the world of 7s rugby.

This team promises to be a force to be reckoned with, a perfect blend of experience, talent, and passion for the sport. Jay White, the founding chairman of the Coral Coast 7s revealed that there was a growing interest from international teams to participate in the tournament.

This surge in interest was partly due to the reduction of the World Sevens Series to “seven rounds in seven iconic locations across seven months.”

The Coral Coast 7s had become an even more attractive and competitive stage for international teams.

As the excitement grew, the anticipation for the 2024 Coral Coast 7s reached new heights.

With the addition of the McDonald All Star Team and the participation of international teams, the tournament promised to be a global celebration of rugby, uniting stars and fans from around the world on Fiji’s picturesque Coral Coast.

ANASILINI NATOGA
4 November, 2023

THE FIJI TIMES

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These forms can be accessed through this link:-

Any other inquiries may be sent to sevenspassion@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

With the the highly anticipated 2024 tournament a key focus for many teams, we want to help make it possible for all teams wishing to participate.

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He says some key international sides are coming because there is only a single leg rather than the back-to-back tournaments in World 7s Series.

Whyte says they have announced Sir Gordon Tietjens and Dan Norton as tournament ambassadors and they will be announcing the McDonald’s Ambassador All-Star team later, which will be a major announcement.

16 men’s, 16 youth and 8 women’s teams will compete in the Fiji Coral Coast 7s next January.

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This was announced by Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) co-ordinator, Shamima Ali, after signing a memorandum of understanding as official partners with the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s committee yesterday.

“This is the second time around that we have made partners for the tournament, and I thank McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s for approaching us to join you again this year.

“Our job is working to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls and children.

“So, this is a good avenue because rugby is loved by everyone in this country and I think this is a great starting point,” she said.

Ali said FWCC had been advocating for convicted players still serving their sentence not to take part in sports competitions for the past three years.

“We have been advocating for this since former national 7s rep, Amenoni Nasilasila’s case almost three years ago.

“We do want convicted players taking part because people look up to rugby players and we don’t want them having felons as role models.”

Meanwhile, McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s founding chairman Jay White said there would be about 40 teams competing in the tournament that would be held in January next year.

“We have 16 men’s and youth’s teams with eight women’s teams,” he said.

“We also have sent invites to overseas teams wanting to compete, so we will announce in the next few weeks.”

White said the MOU of convicted players not being allowed to play was not directed to any specific player but was a general statement instead.

“It’s a generalised statement, which is any person serving a custodial sentence cannot be playing the tournament.

“So it’s a very general statement, but it excludes anyone serving prison time.”

THE FIJI TIMES – MELI LADDPETER – 14 October, 2023

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