Spain National 7s team is the first international outfit to confirm their participation for the inaugural West 7s Rugby Series – Nadi edition, a first in a series of sevens rugby tournaments to be held in the Western Division.
Spain is aiming to regain their status as a core team for the 2016/17 season of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the West 7s to be held at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi on 26-27 of this month will serve as a perfect playground to aid their preparation.
With some of the top local sevens sides already registered, Spain’s inclusion gives a further boost and adds excitement to the tournament for sevens rugby fans, West Events, West 7s Rugby Series tournament coordinator, Biu Tadranu says.
Tadranu highlights that Spain’s interest in the West 7s means that international teams “recognize the value and the high standard of local sevens rugby competitions in Fiji.”
“It also means that the West 7s Series has been successful in not only attracting top local 7s teams but also overseas national teams. This is only the beginning for the West 7s Rugby Series tournaments’ planned for 2016.”
Tadranu adds that for local players the West 7s will provide them a chance to showcase their skills and talents to national selectors and Fiji 7s head coach Ben Ryan and an “attempt to prove their worth and have a shot at being part of the Rio Olympics squad in Brazil.”
The tournament will be played in three categories- men’s, men’s under-20 and women’s. 68 teams are expected to compete over two-days.
“We have places still available for teams that want to be part of the tournament and we call on local teams to register their interest at the earliest as the deadline is fast approaching,” Tadranu says.
Registrations for the West 7s tournament closes this Friday, 5 February.