FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday 16 September

Overseas participants in this year’s Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens will each head home with a piece of Fiji.

Davui Printery, Hot Glass Fiji and Pure Fiji are designing and manufacturing gifts for the teams, officials and media taking part in the tournament at Lawaqa Park onNovember 13-15.

“We are honoured to again supply commemorative plaques for all teams – local or overseas – as well as the medals for the I-wau (Cup) champion,” said Ramesh Sharma of Davui Printery. “The Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens – which features 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams – is the number one tournament in Fiji in our opinion and we are excited to continue our partnership for a fourth year.”

The Suva company also supplies posters, stationery and accreditation devices to the event.

Meanwhile, the winners of the Crest Na Iri Trophy women’s competition shall be rewarded with hand-made glass pendants from Hot Glass Fiji.

“Last year our ocean-blue pendants were well-received by the champion Fijiana team and we are delighted to be back for a second year,” said owner Alice Hill. “The quality of the women’s teams has again increased and we look forward to a hard-fought competition.”

With at least 10 of the women’s teams from overseas Pure Fiji’s Gaëtane Austin said the tournament was a great way to showcase Pure Fiji products.

“All the visiting ladies – players, referees and media – will receive a wonderful Pure Fiji gift pack as a special momento of their time in Fiji,” said Ms Austin.

Aussie Pearls, the inaugural champions, Redlands, Sunnybank, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea are among the foreign invasion for the women’s tournament while the Auckland Rugby Referees’ Association is sending a highly-ranked female referee.

Renowned New Zealand broadcaster Melodie Robinson (Sky Television) will again return to be part of the media for the fifth edition of the tournament.

The Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is sponsored by Bayleys Real Estate, Goodman Fielder (Fiji), Telecom Fiji, Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji, The Naviti Resort, Tourism Fiji, Coastal Rental Cars, Fiji Chemicals Girbau, Sigatoka River Safari, Serevi Rugby, Tappoo Group of Companies, Media Metro, Go Advertising, Mana Graphix, Pro-Design, Davui Printery, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, Bedarra Beach Inn, Gecko's Resort, LICI Fiji, Remington, Hot Glass Fiji and Pure Fiji. FBC, Viti FM and The Fiji Times are the Official Media Partners.

Countdown Begins To Coral Coast Sevens

 Defending champions Yamacia at the launch of the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens

The Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens today celebrated 100 Days To Go with one eye on the Olympic Games in two year’s time.

Guest speaker, renowned media identity Mark Watson, said the introduction of Rugby Sevens into Rio 2016 is setting up the tournament for long-term success.

“Sevens in the Olympic Games will change the landscape and the global point of view when it comes to rugby will no longer be the XV-man code, it will be Sevens,” the New Zealander told an invited audience at the Outrigger on the Lagoon . Fiji. “Fiji has never won an Olympic medal, of any colour, and (smaller countries like) Kenya, Samoa and Fiji are some of those that can beat the likes of New Zealand to do this.

“When you think about the world of Sevens you think Fiji, whether it is Serevi or the early years in Hong Kong, and tournaments like this will become the focal point for the world. Countries will want to develop their Sevens teams and the best way to benchmark is to come to Fiji and play against the best.

“When I came in 2013 I was blown away by the talent on display and this tournament is incredibly special and will be in huge demand.”

The Radio Network host, who has also been a television commentator the Olympic Games, said the Olympic impact on a sport can be profound.

“I was involved in the sport of triathlon in the year it became an Olympic sport and it (Olympic inclusion) changes the sport, the investment and the interest in it. Fiji has the opportunity to capitalise as the whole world will want to come to the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.”

Watson said the momentum of the sport was only going to continue with the Olympics.

“It’s only appropriate that we see Sevens at the Olympic Games as it gives the region – Micronesia and Polynesia – an opportunity to win medals, create great sporting moments and bring a country together.”

Now in its fifth year, the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens has unequalled prizemoney, unrivalled media coverage and unmatched star power, having previously hosted Waisale Serevi, David Campese, Jonah Lomu, Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala and Sir Gordon Tietjens.

“I am delighted to announce that former New Zealand Sevens captain Karl te Nana will be the chief guest and ambassador for this year’s event,” said Philip Toogood, Managing Director, Bayleys Real Estate (Fiji) Ltd. “’KT’ played in 25 IRB tournaments and scored a then record 113 tries and we are thrilled that he and his family will be joining us in November.

“The Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is all about family.  It builds relationships with the local community, players and spectators and like-minded businesses but mostly it allows us to have fun in a game we all love.

“We are very proud to be part of a young tournament, but one that has a tremendous future, and we are looking forward to a long future with the event.”

Twenty-four men’s and 16 women’s teams, including defending champions Yamacia and Telecom Fijiana, will take part in the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens onNovember 13-15 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

Tickets for the tournament go on sale in October.

An expanded Crest Na Iri Trophy has been announced for the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.

Sixteen women’s teams, up from 12 last year, are expected to compete for the $10,000 first prize at Lawaqa Park on November 13-15.

"We are proud to support the growth of women's rugby in Fiji and thrilled to see this expansion to 16 teams," said Chris Zaayman, General Manager Goodman Fielder (Fiji) at today’s announcement. "Next season is Olympic qualifying year and the Crest Na Iri Trophy will be a vital part of the development of the Olympic programme for a number of teams."

Telecom Fijiana, the defending champion, and Aussie Pearls, the 2012 winners, are the highest-profile teams announced to date, with both being likely to qualify for Rio 2016.

Other teams confirmed for the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens are the national teams of New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea and Australian clubs Sunnybank, Redlands, Highlanders, Sydney Fiji Ranadi and Pacific 2 Blues, while two more overseas teams are showing interest.

Marist Sea Hawks, Lautoka, Striders and Lady Babas are the local teams signed up so far.

Last year's Crest Na Iri Trophy was won by Fijiana, 19-7 over Marist Seahawks.

“The girls are very excited to be defending the Crest Na Iri Trophy and we are looking forward to the challenge of qualifying for the Olympics,” said Rusila Nasiga, captain, Telecom Fijiana. “The team is grateful to Crest for their support of the development of women’s sevens.”

Telecom Fijiana will attempt to become a core team on the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series at a 12-team tournament in Hong Kong on September 13-14. The top four teams on next season’s six-leg WSWS will automatically qualify for Rio 2016.

"The expanded Crest Na Iri Trophy is a positive sign for women's rugby and a fantastic opportunity for local talent to shine ahead of the critical Olympic qualifying year,” said Tournament Director Nick Jordan. "The Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is the premier tournament for women in Fiji and the support of Crest will again showcase Fiji's best players to a global audience and continue the development of women's rugby in Fiji.

“We are thrilled to welcome Crest back to the sponsor family.”

Meanwhile, with 100 days to go being celebrated tomorrow, Jordan said planning for the fifth Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens was well underway.

Approximately 15 overseas teams - the most in any tournament in Fiji - as well as international referees, media and special guests are expected to bring significant tourism dollars into the country.

Bayleys Real Estate (Fiji) is the title sponsor of the tournament while Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji, The Naviti Resort, Bedarra Beach Inn and Gecko’s Resort are all Official Resort Partner Hotels.

Further sponsor announcements are expected this week.

Naviti Continues Sevens Support

The Naviti Resort has renewed its partnership with the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens for a fifth straight year. 

 
The four-star Naviti Resort will host two overseas teams as an Official Resort Hotel of the tournament on November 13-15. 

Tournament Director Nick Jordan said the support of the deluxe beachside resort would enhance the ‘champion of champions’ tournament. 

"It is fantastic news that The Naviti Resort has re-signed as one of our key suppliers for this year. The teams, who will both be champions of our partner tournaments, are sure to feel welcome in the stunning surroundings of The Naviti Resort." 

Mosese Virivirilau, Executive Assistant Resort Manager, of Naviti Resort, said they were delighted to be back on board. 

"It is an honour to be able to provide excellent accommodation, dining and activities to the visiting teams throughout the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens which is quickly becoming the premier sevens tournament in Fiji," he said. 

"We are also excited for our staff team, who made the semi finals in 2012, to receive automatic entry into the tournament and thereby compete for the substantial $75,000 prize pool." 

Other benefits of the partnership include signage, tickets and hospitality as well as logo recognition on the tournament website, fijiscoralcoastsevens.com, advertising and billboards. 

Bayleys Real Estate (Fiji) is the title sponsor of the tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. 

Outrigger on the Lagoon · Fiji, Bedarra Beach Inn and Gecko’s Resort were all announced as Official Hotels last week. 
 

Gecko’s Resort

Bedarra Beach Inn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday 25 July

Two more hotels have announced new partnerships with the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.

Bedarra Beach Inn and Gecko's Resort will both be Official Hotels of the tournament at Lawaqa Park on November 13-15.

Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji renewed their association on Tuesday.

"The annual Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is one of the highlights of the calendar on the Coral Coast," said David Keeble of Bedarra Beach Inn. "The event attracts quality teams, a large crowd and significant media coverage both here and overseas and has proven itself as one of the premier tournaments in the world below the IRB Sevens World Series.

"We are delighted to be hosting some of the media at the Bedarra Beach Inn and look forward to a great weekend of rugby sevens."

The 24-team men's competition includes reigning champion Yamacia and visitors Rangataua (New Zealand) and Lauli'i Lions (Samoa), both winners of partner tournaments. The champions of next month's Serevi Rugbytown Sevens (Colorado) and October's Fitness First Central Coast Sevens (NSW) will also be invited.

Outrigger, Coastal Rental Cars and Serevi Selects are the three sponsor teams to date while eight Fijian clubs will qualify at the Coastal Great Eight on November 1.

"Rugby sevens is the national sport of Fiji and the Bayleys Coral Coast Sevens brings out the best in our players," said Darren McPhee, Manager of Gecko's Resort. "Local clubs have made it clear this is the tournament they want to win while the overseas sides are keen to be crowned the 'champion of champions'.

"The presence in recent years of Waisale Serevi, David Campese, Jonah Lomu, Ben Gollings and Sir Gordon Tietjens has also given the tournament a fantastic reputation and we look forward to growing this in the years ahead."

Twelve women's teams will also be part of the tournament and confirmed entries include Aussie Pearls, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Sunnybank, Redlands, Sydney Fiji Ranadi, Pacific 2 Blues, Marist Seahawks and Lady Babas.

Tournament Director Nick Jordan said more teams were making enquiries and he expected the number of visiting teams to be close to 20 by the time of the tournament.

Bayleys Real Estate (Fiji) is the title sponsor of the tournament for the second year.

Outrigger Backs Bayleys Coral                                      Coast Sevens

Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji has renewed its sponsorship of the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens. 
 
The five-star resort, recently recognised by Trip Advisor as the number one family resort in Australia and the South Pacific, and the best Family Resort in the Pacific Islands as awarded this week by a leading Australian travel publication, will be a Prime Partner of the tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on November 13-15. 

Peter Hopgood, General Manager, said they were delighted to continue their support for a fifth consecutive year. 

"We are thrilled that this fantastic event is returning to the Coral Coast," he said. "The international teams, media and special guests attending have raised the profile of the region since it began in 2010 and we expect this will continue in the years ahead. 

"Last year we were privileged to host Waisale Serevi, Ben Gollings and Sir Gordon Tietjens - three legends of sevens - and we know there will be more big names on our shores not only for the delights of the Coral Coast but also the high-quality action at Lawaqa Park." 

Almost 40 teams, including at least 15 from overseas, are expected for the tournament. 

Rangataua (New Zealand), Lauli'i Lions (Samoa) and Serevi Selects (USA) have all confirmed participation in the 24-team men's competition, while 2012 winners Aussie Pearls headline the field in the 12-strong women's section. 

Tournament Director Nick Jordan said they were in discussions with additional teams from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and the USA to join defending champions Yamacia and a host of other Fijian sides, including Outrigger. 

"We are very grateful for the continued support of the Outrigger on the Lagoon . Fiji who assist in many ways, from accommodation and meals to providing chairs, tables and marquees," he said. "We also look forward to the Outrigger staff team challenging for the $33,000 first prize!" 

Bayleys Real Estate (Fiji) is the title sponsor for a second year while additional partners will be announced in coming weeks. 

 

The Lauli'i Lions have been invited to represent Samoa at the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens after they beat Vaiala 17-12 in the inaugural Samoa Independence Sevens on Saturday.

"We are pleased to invite Lauli'i to the 'champion of champions' at Lawaqa Park on November 13-15," said Tournament Director Nick Jordan. "The Lions also finished runners-up in Samoa’s Marist Sevens in February so are obviously a top Samoan club.

"Should they accept it will be great to see them take on our reigning champions, Yamacia, and other clubs from around the Pacific in "Rugbytown" (Sigatoka) later this year."

Jordan said the 24-team men's field for the fifth annual Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens was taking shape.

"Rangataua, the winners of New Zealand's Middlesex Sevens, have accepted our invitation and we will again be reaching out to the winners of the Serevi Rugbytown Sevens (Colorado, August) and the Fitness First Central Coast Sevens to be held in October.

"Our sponsor teams are likely to include Outrigger on the Lagoon, Naviti, Coastal Rental Cars and Serevi Rugby plus we are in discussions with several partner tournaments as well as guest teams from overseas.

"On top of that the 'best of the best' from Fiji will come through the Coastal Great Eight, to be held in the first weekend of November, to create another high-quality tournament."

Jordan said there were still vacancies for sponsor teams.

"We are targeting eight sponsor sides and one of the major benefits is the direct entry meaning the team does not need to go through the qualifying tournament to compete for the $75,000 prize pool," he said. “We are always keen to talk to companies who wish to become associated with the tournament and its high-quality teams.”

Meanwhile, the 12-strong women's competition is also attracting star participants.

"The Aussie Pearls, who won the event in 2012, have already announced their participation and we are thrilled to welcome back Sunnybank and New Caledonia along with newcomers Redlands and the Highlanders to compete for the Crest Na Iri Trophy" said Jordan.

"We have interest from teams in New Zealand and the USA and of course Fiji as the new Olympic sport of sevens continues to grow."