Fiji 7s team arrives, preps continue

The Fiji men’s rugby 7s side is the first team to arrive for next weekend’s 50th Hong Kong 7s tournament.

The Osea Kolinisau coached side arrived in Hong Kong on Sunday to start their preparations as they are in Pool B with France, Great Britain and Germany.

This year’s Hong Kong 7s tournament from April 17-19 is promising to be the biggest in the tournament’s 50-year history, with organisers saying they had already sold the equivalent of 100,000 tickets.

Last year’s crowd for the 7s debut at Kai Tak Stadium was more than 110,000 for the three days, and officials expect to surpass that figure with all corporate boxes and individual hospitality sold out.

The South Stand Pass category offering access to the infamous party area is also sold out, although seating in the stand remains open to all adults holding general admission tickets on a first-come, first-served basis during the tournament.

Bryan Rennie, executive director of commercial and business operations for Hong Kong China Rugby, told South China Morning Post, the governing body was “delighted to celebrate this ticketing milestone.

“One-hundred thousand tickets are the equivalent of just over 33,000 three-day passes, which means we are well on our way to another bumper crowd for the event,” he said.

The 2025 tournament reportedly generated some US$97 million (FJ$219m) for the local economy, and Rennie said that would again be “reinvested in the sport and our community”.

“We are grateful for the support of our fans across Hong Kong, the region and around the world and look forward to welcoming them all to a very special 50th anniversary in April,” he added.

As part of the changes made to the HSBC SVNS Series, this year’s tournament is one of three World Championship events and will feature 24 teams: 12 men and 12 women.

TEAM LISTS

Fiji men’s squad: Jeremaia Matana(captain), Joseva Talacolo, Tira Patterson, Terio Tamani, Filipe Sautura-ga, Apete Narogo, Vuiviwa Naduvalo, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, Nacani Boginisoko, Manueli Maisamoa, Douglas Daveta, Isaia Rugu, Akuila Dranivotua, Wame Ratuva, Tomasi Vuluma.

Fiji women’s squad: Verenaisi Divavutu, Sesenieli Donu, Sera Bolatini, Silika Qalo, Vanu Buleki, Reapi Naul-unisau, Rogosau Adimereani, Mariana Talatoka, Lavena Cavuru, Atelaite Ralivanawa, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Lusiana Tinai, Varisika Delana.