It will be spicy: Friday

The 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s tournament will be difficult for the Mike Friday Select 7’s team with an implemented new format and stiff competition from 24 teams this weekend.

This was the gist of Former USA sevens head coach Mike Friday interview with the Coral coast Fiji 7s media.

“You got to be able to compete with amongst the fabulous Fijian local team, as well as the national team and the wonderful international teams coming into the tournament this year,” he said.

“Coming into the Fijian soil and trying to play here is tough anytime of the year but this year with the new format will make it extra spicy.”

Friday said his team of new and experienced players are looking forward to the challenge.

“There is a little bit of pressure on us probably this year off the back of what the boys did last year,” he said.

“The local teams need to be highly respected; they are fabulous rugby players and masters of rugby sevens.”

The Mike Select 7s side were runners-up last year after their 29 – 14 loss to the Fiji 7s men’s team.

Friday added that his players which are filled with former HSBC SVNS regulars Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy and Perry Baker will have to gel together as a team.

“They will have to get ready for a very tough weekend of sevens,” he said.

“Most importantly, they (players) got to enjoy the environment and the people. They will need to engrain themselves in it.”

The Mike Select 7s team is scheduled for a community visit to a few villages in Sigatoka today.

“They (players) need to fully embrace the local romances and traditions that Fiji have, and I think its vastly important,” he said.

“They need to find time to spent time with the fans and engrain themselves in the stands as well as the rugby fields.”

Friday indicated that the Coral coast Fiji 7s tournament has gradually improved over the years.

“Year on year the Coral coast 7s has upped their game; they’ve built on the fanatic part of 7s and the unique landscape,” he said.

“What you now have is powerhouse international invitational tournament that rivals any tournament around the world.”

Friday categorized the Coral coast 7s tournament alongside the Dubai International Invitational sevens tournament.

“It stands alongside that tournament where the best teams outside of international teams will compete and sharpen their tools,” he said.

“We’re better than in the spiritual home of 7s, Fiji where these village teams are the masters of dominating the game of sevens.”

Friday commended the tournament for offering opportunities to nations and players.

“Long may it continue; these nations and players who traditionally aren’t given opportunities are given a chance to showcase their skills” he said.

The three-day tournament is set to kick off on January 15 and will conclude on January 17.

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