Scrimmage Fires Up National Team Ahead of Coral Coast Tournament

It was a first for both teams asthe Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team sharpened their game plan against the visiting British Army 7s team in an intense scrimmage session at Suva’s Albert Park on Tuesday.

The session, arranged at the invitation of the national side, provided both teams with crucial high-intensity match simulation just days before the Coral Coast 7s tournament kicks off at Lawaqa Park from Thursday to Saturday.

Fijian 7s Head Coach Osea Kolinisau expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “We are fortunate that the British Army, here for the first time ever, asked us for a scrimmage. This mimics exactly how we prepare during a World Series week,” Kolinisau said. “I’m thankful to John, the director, for agreeing to come and play us here.”

He emphasized the practical benefits of the clash, noting, “It’s always good to get a test run before Coral Coast. They showed us some of the weaknesses that we can improve upon as a team. But I’m thankful to them for agreeing to come.”

For the British Army side, the scrimmage was more than just a training run; it was a poignant cultural exchange and a dream realized for their players. The team competing in the Coral Coast 7s is entirely composed of Fijian servicemen currently serving in the British Army.

Lieutenant Colonel John Lord, Director of Army Rugby, highlighted this special connection. “As you can see, Fijian culture is at the heart of British Army Sevens,” Lord stated. “We’ve got a lot of Fijians that play Army Sevens back in the UK… These boys grew up watching their heroes on the other side there in yellow, playing on the TV, so a real opportunity for them to experience this.”

He described the session as an amazing opportunity and a key part of their final preparations for the Coral Coast Sevens.

The tournament serves as vital preparation for the national squad as they build towards the HSBC SVNS Singapore 7s at the end of the month. The scrimmage against a physical and motivated Army side provided the exacting, game-like intensity Coach Kolinisau sought for his team as they anticipate the upcoming Singapore 7s at the end of the month.