A TOTAL of 15 nations, including Solomon Islands, will be competing in this year’s Oceania Rugby 7s (QR7) tournament in Honiara.
The competition will be staged on a weekend on Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December.
The 15 nations are; Fiji, Tuvalu, Nauru, Australia, Vanuatu, American Samoa, Japan, Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Tonga, Niue, Tahiti and the hosts Solomon Islands.
A total of 15 teams are confirmed for the Men’s Category and 9 teams for Women’s Category.
The Women’s Category includes Fiji Development Squad, Vanuatu, Samoa, American Samoa, Niue, Tonga, Cook Islands, Kiribati and the hosts Solomon Islands.
Oceania Rugby confirmed in a press conference on Tuesday when the official draws were unveiled that a total of 58 matches will be played over the two days – 22 in the Women’s Category and 36 in the Men’s Category.
The 15 teams in the Men’s Category are divided into four groups – Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D. Group A consists of 3 teams and the rest, 4 teams.
For the Women’s Category, its 9 teams will be divided into 3 groups.
During the official draw on Tuesday, the President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) and Member of Parliament for West New Georgia-Vonavona Constituency, George Temahua highlighted the importance of the event saying, “the Oceania Rugby 7s is a moment of pride for the Solomon Islands.
“It is an opportunity to showcase the country’s cultures, hospitality and passion for rugby to the world while hosting the Pacific’s bests.”
With the tournament is just around the corner, Solomon Islands as the host nation is ready to welcome the Pacific Islands contingents in Honiara as a first-time host of this regional sporting event.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
