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The pools for next month’s International 7s section of the Suva Rugby Festival have been announced. The official draw took place Monday at the Digicel Business Lounge in Suva and was attended by British High Commissioner Mac McLachlan and US Ambassador Steve McGann.

George finalists Fiji are top seeds for the tournament and they line-up in Pool A against Tonga and Naitasiri club Waimanu. A wildcard that’s yet to be decided will fill the remaining spot.

Second seeds Samoa line up in Pool D against Navosa club side Ratu Filise and the runners-up from Labasa Suva Sevens Series tournament which takes place on 9 January.

Hong Kong are set to tackle New Zealand provincial side Manawatu and hosts Suva in Pool C.

Al Caravelli’s USA have placed in a tricky pool as they take on Western Force from Perth and the Army as well as the winners from the Labasa tournament.

Papua New Guinea are another that are hoping to be in Suva but their participation is still yet to be confirmed.
Digicel Suva Rugby Festival Organising Committee chairman, Vilikesa Rauca, noted that there are no easy pools.

“It’s very balanced,” Mr Rauca said. “I don’t think anyone will have an easy time with the pool games. The overseas teams are strong, but we also have the best club sides in Fiji playing, so it’ll all be very tight.”

Force to hit Fiji

Western Force will be making their first trip in its short history to Fiji and Rugby WA General Manager Mitch Hardy, said the club are excited to be part of the festival and making the trip over.

"The Emirates Western Force team that we will bring to Suva will be a highly competitive side,” Hardy said.

“Our squad will consist of players not involved in the to-be-confirmed trial phase in late January, with Rugby WA Academy players also in the selection frame.”

“The Digicel Suva Rugby Festival provides us with a great opportunity as the club embarks on a new programme for Sevens rugby in 2010. Sevens is another pathway for WA players to enter representative ranks, and (Academy member) Zack Holmes being selected for Australia shows that there are talented guys in the State who can press for higher honours.”

Digicel Suva Rugby Festival Organising Committee chairman, Vilikesa Rauca, noted that there are no easy pools.
“It’s very balanced,” Mr Rauca said.

“I don’t think anyone will have an easy time with the pool games. The overseas teams are strong, but we also have the best club sides in Fiji playing, so it’ll all be very tight.”

Digicel Suva Rugby Festival (International 7s):
Pool A: Fiji, Tonga, Waimanu, Wild Card
Pool B: USA, Western Force, Army, Labasa Winners
Pool C: Manawatu, Hong Kong, Suva, Wild Card
Pool D: Samoa, Ratu Felise, Labasa Runners-up, TBC

Held 15-23 January 2010 at various venues in the capital, the Digicel Suva Rugby Festival will involve more than 200 rugby teams and is the start of the build-up towards Suva Rugby’s centenary festivities in 2012.