Former Digicel Fiji 7s coach Jo Savou won a best-of-three coin toss with PWD Bure official Osea Umuumulovo on Monday evening to earn the Wardens the final wild card berth for the international 7s section at the Digicel Suva Rugby Festival later this month.
Undecided on whom to offer the wild card as both teams had shown commitment and had performed well in the Suva 7s Series, the Suva Rugby Union committee called the two coaches in and let them settle it in the traditional sporting manner.
Wardens, who reached the semi-finals in Lautoka and the quarters in Suva and Labasa, now join Pool C with New Zealand provincial side Manawatu, Waisale Serevi’s Papua New Guinea and hosts Suva.
The Northern Sharks will play in Pool A alongside Fiji Barbarians, Tonga and Waimanu. Pool B contains USA, Western Force, Army and Police, whilst Pool D comprises Samoan Barbarians, Canadian Maple Leafs, Ratu Felise and Veiyasana Malaysian Fijians.
In related news, the Hong Kong team were forced to withdraw because their players were unable to get the required leave from work to meet the flight schedule, so their place in Pool C has been taken by PNG.
In sending the news from Hong Kong, coach Dai Rees explained that they had had a busy 7s schedule before Christmas and were not able to get the players/management out of work for the length of time required.
“We wish Suva Rugby Union all the best with the festival and hope that Hong Kong can make it to Fiji in the future,” Mr Rees said.
Digicel Suva Rugby Festival (International 7s, 21-23 January):
Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D
Fiji USA Manawatu (NZ) Samoa
Tonga Western Force (Aus) PNG Canada ML
Waimanu Army Suva Ratu Felise
Northern Sharks Police Wardens Veiyasana
Tickets go on sale at the end of the week.
