Final preparations made by all teams as they await their superlative rugby showdown. The completion of the captain’s photoshoot at the newly renovated Ballymore Stadium, signifies an array of culture and unity that the Pacific represents.
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias highlighted the importance of culture and its impact of rugby as teams vie for the top spot to France.
“The tournament offers teams a platform to showcase their individual talents whilst representing the nation they love. We continue to strive towards giving teams in the Pacific the opportunity to be exposed to international level of competition grassroot right up till the senior level. It is rewarding to see teams like Kiribati, Tuvalu, Niue, Solomon Islands, American Samoa being represented in the Oceania Sevens.”
“We pride ourselves in the growth of women’s rugby in the Pacific, and this year we are pleased to see more women’s teams participating,” he added.
A total of 66 matches (35 men’s and 31 women’s matches) will be played across three days of competition.
Host country, Australia Men’s 7s captain Nick Malouf is excited to take the field with some of best in the Pacific come Friday:
“The Oceania region is always a strong rugby region and it’s going to be a great weekend of rugby; we are lucky to play some of the best teams of the Pacific. With the HSBC SVNS Series starting in a couple of weeks and this will be a final head out for us, we are looking forward to finding out the final side of the draw as well.”
He added: “Samoa would have to be the favourites because they narrowly miss the qualification, we went down to the wire with them, Tonga and PNG are dangerous as well.”
First timers, American Samoa Women’s 7s team know they have nothing to lose coming into this competition and have more to prove not only for the tournament but to the people of American Samoa.
American Samoa Women’s 7s captain Chardelle Fayee Tuiavi said: “We are here making history for the American Samoa Women’s team and it’s been a crazy rough journey. The challenge has been accepted. We are here to learn, grow and take American Samoa further. This has been a long time coming, and I am really proud to be a part of this experience.”
Don't miss the chance to witness the passion, dedication, and skill of these incredible athletes as they strive for rugby glory which starts at 12.00 p.m AEST local time, Friday 12 November.
With tickets now on sale, fans can purchase their tickets here.
The sevens action will kick off at 12.00 p.m AEST local time on day 1 on tomorrow, November 10, when Samoa take on Nauru in the women’s competition.
Live action via Stan Sport, Sky, Digicel and PacificAus TV.
Final fixtures can be accessed here.
Follow all the action @oceaniarugby on social for more information.
