Coral Coast Fiji 7s

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐋𝐚 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐚 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝟏𝟕-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

The McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s is proud to announce that Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji has expanded its historic partnership with the tournament by becoming the Naming Rights Partner of the Women's Division for the 15th edition of the McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s, while continuing its longstanding role as the tournament's Official Resort.

The announcement strengthens one of the longest-standing commercial partnerships in Fijian sport.

Since the inaugural Coral Coast Fiji 7s in 2010, Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji has stood alongside the tournament as one of only two Foundation Partners to have continuously supported the event throughout its entire history. That unwavering commitment has helped transform the Coral Coast Fiji 7s from an ambitious vision into what is now widely recognised as one of the world's premier invitational rugby sevens tournaments.

As the tournament celebrates its 15th edition and 17 years of history from 14–16 January 2027, the Shangri-La Women's Division will once again showcase many of the world's finest women's rugby sevens teams on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Comment from Founding Chairman Jay Whyte
"When people speak about the success of the Coral Coast Fiji 7s, they are talking about partners who believed in the tournament long before it became what it is today.

Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji has been with us since our very first tournament in 2010. Alongside one other Foundation Partner, they have remained steadfast supporters throughout our entire journey.
Seventeen years of continuous support is an extraordinary commitment, and one that we will never take for granted.
Women's rugby has never been stronger, and we are incredibly proud that Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji has once again chosen to champion the women's game.

Their support extends well beyond sponsorship. It is an investment in opportunity, equality and inspiring the next generation of young Fijian girls to dream big and pursue excellence through rugby.

The Women's Division has become one of the tournament's premier competitions, attracting elite international and regional teams while providing an important platform for the continued growth of women's rugby throughout Fiji and the Pacific.

In addition to becoming Naming Rights Partner of the Women's Division, Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji will continue as the tournament's Official Resort, hosting international teams, tournament ambassadors, officials and distinguished guests at one of Fiji's most iconic luxury destinations."

The partnership reflects the resort's longstanding commitment to tourism, community development and sport, while helping showcase Fiji to a global audience through one of international rugby's most recognised invitational events.

Mr Whyte also acknowledged the leadership of General Manager Francis Lee and Director of Sales & Marketing Marsha Eyre, whose continued support has played an important role in the tournament's success.

"On behalf of the Coral Coast Fiji 7s Charitable Trust, I sincerely thank Francis Lee, Marsha Eyre and the entire Shangri-La team for their tremendous leadership, partnership and continued investment in our event.

They understand that the Coral Coast Fiji 7s is far more than a rugby tournament. It is an international showcase of the Coral Coast, a significant driver of tourism and an event that delivers lasting economic and social benefits for our communities."

"Their partnership has always been about much more than hosting teams. It is a commitment to the Coral Coast, to Fiji's tourism industry and to creating unforgettable experiences for thousands of visitors who travel here each January. Their belief in our vision over the past 17 years has been instrumental in establishing the Coral Coast Fiji 7s as one of Fiji's premier annual sporting events."

The 15th edition of the McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s will feature 24 men's teams, 12 women's teams and 16 youth teams, bringing together many of the world's leading rugby sevens players for three days of world-class competition, entertainment and authentic Fijian hospitality.

As the tournament celebrates its 15th edition and 17 years since its inception, the continued partnership with Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through long-term collaboration, shared vision and an enduring commitment to showcasing the very best of Fiji to the world.

Few sporting partnerships in Fiji have endured as long—or contributed as significantly—as that between Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji and the McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s, a relationship built on trust, shared values and a common purpose since 2010.

-ENDS-

How does one of the world's most iconic rugby tournaments compare with a tournament from a nation of fewer than one million people?

The numbers tell a remarkable story. Despite the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens having around **1.5 times** the direct social media audience of the McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s, Fiji's premier invitational tournament has built a digital footprint that is exceptional for an event entering just its 15th edition.

What makes this even more significant is that the Coral Coast Fiji 7s is independently owned and operated as a charitable trust, receives no World Rugby ownership or funding, and was created primarily as a tourism development initiative rather than a professional circuit event. Through compelling storytelling, world-class rugby, global ambassadors, community involvement and authentic Fijian experiences, the tournament has consistently generated millions of social media impressions and video views, delivering international exposure far beyond what its follower count alone would suggest.

The lesson is simple: audience size is only part of the equation—engagement, authenticity and impact matter just as much. The McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s continues to prove that a community-driven event from Fiji can stand alongside some of the biggest names in world rugby while delivering measurable value for players, fans, sponsors, tourism and the wider Fijian economy. 🇫🇯🏉

New law to be trialled at Coral Coast 7s A NEW player sanctions framework will be trialled in the 2027 McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament. The initiative has been set up to ensure fairer […]

𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝟕𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝟕𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Sigatoka, Fiji — The 15th Annual McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s has announced an innovative Rugby Sevens law trial for the 2027 tournament, introducing a new player sanctions framework designed to deliver fairer outcomes, greater player accountability and an enhanced spectator experience.
The initiative has been developed following extensive consultation between tournament organisers and James Bolabiu, High Performance Unit Referees Manager, with the objective of preserving the excitement of Rugby Sevens while ensuring disciplinary measures remain strong, simple and consistent.
The trial focuses on cards and player sanctions, introducing a simplified approach to yellow cards, second-yellow offences and straight red cards during match play.
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Yellow Card – Official Warning Only
Under the trial, a yellow card will be treated as an official warning only.
There will be no temporary suspension, with the player remaining on the field.
However, if the same player receives a second yellow card during the match, that second yellow card will automatically become a red card.
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Second Yellow Card Infringement
If a player receives a second yellow card offence during the same match, that player will be removed from the field and cannot return.
However, the team may replace that player immediately, with no further time penalty applied to the team.
This ensures the offending player receives the sanction personally while the contest continues with seven players on each side.
The dismissed player will also be referred to the tournament's disciplinary committee for further consideration.
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Straight Red Card
A player receiving a straight red card must leave the field immediately and cannot return.
The offending player's team will play with one fewer player for two minutes, after which the player may be replaced by another teammate.
The player receiving the straight red card will also be referred to the tournament's disciplinary committee.
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Designed for the Modern Game
Tournament organisers believe the law trial better reflects the unique nature of Rugby Sevens, where a traditional two-minute yellow card can often have a disproportionate influence on the outcome of a match.
The trial has been designed to:
• Create fairer outcomes in closely contested matches.
• Keep seven players on the field for as much of the game as possible.
• Maintain player accountability for repeat or serious offences.
• Encourage greater player self-regulation.
• Reduce confusion around card sanctions.
• Preserve the speed, skill and entertainment value that makes Rugby Sevens one of the world's premier sporting spectacles.
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Jay Whyte: "The Contest Should Be Decided by Rugby, Not Technicalities"
Tournament Founding Chairman Jay Whyte said the initiative represents one of the most significant innovations introduced by the Coral Coast Fiji 7s and is aimed at ensuring the best team wins through rugby rather than numerical advantage.
"For too long we've seen matches—and in some cases entire tournaments—decided because a player has spent two minutes off the field for what may have been relatively trivial matters."
"We believe those days will come to an end in January 2027."
"Rugby Sevens is built on speed, skill, passion and fairness. Supporters want to watch seven against seven for as much of the contest as possible, and we want results determined by the quality of rugby being played—not by technical infringements that can dramatically alter the balance of a match."
"This trial keeps the individual accountable while protecting the spectacle of the game."
"Players will naturally regulate their own behaviour knowing that a second yellow card immediately becomes a red card. They know they will be removed from the match, cannot return and will face the tournament's disciplinary committee. That is a significant personal consequence and one that we believe will encourage players to adjust their style of play after receiving an initial warning."
"Rather than punishing an entire team for an isolated infringement, this system places responsibility squarely on the individual while allowing spectators to continue enjoying a true seven-versus-seven contest. We believe this creates fairer outcomes, better rugby and an even greater experience for players, officials and fans."
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James Bolabiu Endorses the Trial
Following months of consultation, James Bolabiu, High Performance Unit Referees Manager, has endorsed the initiative and believes it strikes an appropriate balance between discipline and maintaining the spectacle of Rugby Sevens.
"I thoroughly endorse this creative change designed to improve the game of Sevens and all outcomes of the spectator and player experience."
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Innovation Through Rugby Sevens
The McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s has earned an international reputation for embracing innovation and contributing to the continued evolution of Rugby Sevens.
Tournament organisers believe the 2027 law trial has the potential to provide valuable insights into future discussions surrounding the global development of the abbreviated format.
Should the trial prove successful, the tournament hopes it will stimulate wider discussion on how player sanctions can continue to evolve while preserving the integrity, excitement and entertainment value of Rugby Sevens.
Further details regarding referee education, team briefings, implementation procedures and disciplinary protocols will be released in the lead-up to the tournament.
The 15th Annual McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s will be played at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, Fiji, from 14–16 January 2027, bringing together elite men's, women's and youth teams from Fiji and around the world to compete for one of the largest prize pools in invitational Rugby Sevens.
The tournament continues to be recognised as one of the world's premier invitational Sevens events and remains committed to enhancing the experience for players, officials, sponsors, broadcasters and the thousands of spectators who attend each year.
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ENDS
Media Contact
Jay Whyte
Founding Chairman
McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.fijicoralcoastsevens.com

PSA: We are now accepting expressions of interest for teams ready to join the 2027 Coral Coast Fiji 7s—submit yours now!

Register here: www.fijicoralcoastsevens.com

Vinakwa

Founding Chairman catching up with the Coral Coast Fiji 7s 2019 Tournament Bryan Habana at the 2027 HSBC Hong Kong 7s today at the KaiTak Stadium.

How it started..... how it's going!!

The Jonah Lomu Medal winner 2026 winging his way to Hong Kong to show the world his scintillating footwork and try scoring feats.

Wishing Tomasi Stark all the best in Hong Kong next week.