The Uprising Youth Sevens tournament in Fiji scheduled to be played next month has received a further boost with the addition of international teams.
The high profile Under 19 competition that will take place in Sigatoka now will see teams from Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.
Asian Under-20 sevens champions Hong Kong, KISSP Investments Wesley Fijians from the famed Wesley College in Auckland and the Brisbane Fijian Young Guns will take on the best Fijian talent for the $10,000 first prize.
Uprising Resort General Manager James Pridgeon expressed delight on the competition reaching a wider range and is hopeful of it helping the young talents in Fiji.
“We as a resort have since our very first days been focused on giving back to the community we work with and have through the years been a major player in helping grow grass roots rugby and provide true player pathways for our Fijian brothers and sisters," he said.
"We are very happy to continue this support and showcase the amazing talents that Fiji possesses.
“Further, we hope that in 2019 the Youth division can include women’s teams as we want to see this division grow and thrive into the future.”
The 16 youth teams competing at Lawaqa Park include reigning champion Tuva Youth, King Select Sevens, Lelean Memorial School, Fiji Academy, Ratu Filise Youth, Nailaga, Natabua Beez, Northern Spirit from Vanua Levu and Pacific Island Air Yasawas.
The Uprising Youth Sevens is again the spectacular curtain raiser to the eighth annual MANA Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in ‘Rugbytown’. The ‘champion of champions’ men’s event has 16 men's teams while 16 women’s teams will compete for the Crest Na Iri Trophy.
The MANA Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens takes place at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka between 17th and 20th January next year.