Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens set for a grand kick-off with arrival of international stars

As the eighth annual Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is set to kick-off from Wednesday, international stars from Hong Kong converged at Nadi International Airport today on Monday.

Hong Kong will be fielding men's, women's and youth teams that will compete in the tournament and will be making their first visit to Sigatoka.

The men's team is drawn in a pool with three local teams - Ratu Filise, Tovolea and McDonald's Saunaka, who they lost to in the semi-final of the Bowl last year.

Hong Kong women play Snax Nadi Aviators and Striders, while the youth team faces Northern Spirit, Nailaga, and Ra Barbarians.

"The interest from overseas teams adds a further opportunity for local players to be exposed to high-level 7s rugby," founding chairman Jay Whyte said in a statement issued this evening.

"It will be a great experience for local players to be able to play against national teams from overseas."

Apart from Hong Kong, a USA invitation club - men's and women's teams will also compete in the Coral Sevens while a Japanese national women's development team arrives on Tuesday to take part in the Crest Na Iri Trophy.

"USA Stars 7s team is thrilled to be making our debut at the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast 7s," said team manager Elizabeth Entwhistle.

"Our team has players and coaches hailing from Fiji and it has been a dream destination for us given the hospitality, the friendliness, and the quality of rugby in the islands."