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𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐃’𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈 𝟕𝐬 𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑 & 𝐑𝐔𝐆𝐁𝐘𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐄 #𝟐𝟎

SIGATOKA, FIJI — 4 September 2026

One of the most electrifying players ever to grace a rugby field, Christian Cullen, will return to a country that knows and loves its running rugby after being confirmed as an Official Ambassador for the 2027 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s and the 20th inductee into the RugbyTown Walk of Fame.

Affectionately known throughout the rugby world as “The Paekākāriki Express,” Cullen will be honoured during the 15th edition of the tournament, to be staged at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, from 14–16 January 2027.

Cullen's induction recognises an extraordinary career and, importantly, his place in the history of rugby sevens.

Before becoming one of the most feared attacking players in Test rugby, Cullen announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion in the shortened form of the game. His pace, balance, acceleration and instinctive ability to find space made him ideally suited to sevens and helped establish the reputation that would follow him throughout his career.

He would go on to become an All Blacks great, earning 58 Test caps and scoring 46 Test tries, while becoming one of the defining attacking players of his generation.

For tournament founder and Chairman Jay Whyte, Cullen's inclusion as the 20th RugbyTown inductee represents another significant milestone for the event.

“Christian Cullen was box office before we even used that term in rugby. When he got the ball, people stood up because you genuinely didn't know what was about to happen.”

“What makes Christian particularly special for us is his connection to sevens. Before the world knew him as an All Blacks superstar, sevens provided a stage for that incredible speed, footwork and attacking instinct.”

“Fijians appreciate players who are prepared to attack, take risks and play what is in front of them. Christian played rugby exactly that way, which is why I think there has always been such an appreciation for him here in Fiji.”

“To welcome Christian Cullen as an Ambassador for our 15th edition and, at the same time, make him RugbyTown Walk of Fame inductee number 20 is something we're incredibly proud of.”

RUGBY ROYALTY COMES TO RUGBYTOWN
The RugbyTown Walk of Fame, located in Sigatoka, celebrates players who have made an extraordinary contribution to rugby sevens and to the global game.

Cullen will become Inductee #20, joining an exceptional collection of rugby legends whose footprints and achievements are permanently recognised in the town that proudly calls itself RugbyTown.

His involvement will extend beyond the induction ceremony, with Cullen participating in tournament activities and engaging with teams, supporters and the Fiji rugby community throughout the three-day international event.

The 2027 tournament will once again bring together some of the world's most exciting established and emerging sevens talent across Men's, Women's and Youth competitions, continuing the Coral Coast 7s tradition of combining elite international rugby with the unique atmosphere and hospitality of Fiji.

Whyte said the Ambassador programme had become an important part of connecting today's players with those who helped shape the game.
“Our Ambassadors aren't simply invited to sit in the grandstand. We want them amongst the people, talking rugby, meeting the teams, sharing stories and experiencing what makes this tournament and this part of Fiji so special.”

“Christian Cullen is one of those rare rugby players whose highlights remain spectacular decades later. There will be young players at Lawaqa Park in January who weren't even born when Christian was playing, but they know the name and they know the footage.”
“That's what being a legend of the game means.”

THE 15TH EDITION
The 2027 McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s will mark the tournament's 15th edition, continuing its reputation as one of the world's premier invitational rugby sevens tournaments.

Played at the spiritual home of the tournament, Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, the event will feature 24 Men's teams, 12 Women's teams and 16 Youth teams, with international sides competing alongside some of Fiji's finest sevens talent.

And in keeping with the tournament's founding philosophy, entry to Lawaqa Park remains FREE, giving the people of Fiji the opportunity to see international rugby stars, emerging talent and legends of the game together in RugbyTown.

McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s
📍 Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, Fiji
📅 14–16 January 2027
🏉 Men's | Women's | Youth
🎟️ FREE ENTRY

— ENDS —

FIJIAN DRUA SIGNS EXPERIENCED
WALLABY ISI NAISARANI


3 September 2026

Nadi, Fiji: The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is delighted to announce the signing of Fiji-born former Wallabies No. 8 Isi Naisarani ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. The signing also marks a significant homecoming for the former Ratu Kadavulevu School student, who left Fiji as a young player chasing an opportunity abroad and now returns to play professional rugby in front of family, friends and the Drua Nation.

Originally from Naqali, Naitasiri and shares maternal links to Gusuisavu in Naitasiri, the powerful backrower brings a wealth of Super Rugby and international experience to the Drua, having represented the Western Force, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels during an impressive career in Australia before also taking his talents to Japan.

Excited for the journey ahead, Naisarani said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Fijian Drua team for the 2027 season. My family and I can’t wait to meet and connect with all the fans. Let’s make 2027 a good one. Toso Drua Toso!”

Isi initially made his mark playing club rugby for Souths in Brisbane before earning selection for Brisbane City in Australia’s National Rugby Championship in 2016. His breakthrough campaign saw him play seven matches and score five tries, with his powerful ball carrying quickly attracting the attention of Super Rugby clubs.

Naisarani signed with the Western Force and made his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs in Sydney in 2017. He enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign, playing 15 matches and becoming the first player to win the Nathan Sharpe Medal as the Force’s Player of the Year in his first professional season. He registered 126 carries for 662 metres, 22 tackle busts and 108 tackles during an impressive introduction to Super Rugby Pacific.

In 2017 he won the prestigious RUPA Medal for Excellence after he was voted the Best Australian Super Rugby player of the Year by his peers, the first player in history to win this award in their debut year.

His performances earned him a move to the ACT Brumbies for the 2018 season before he joined the Melbourne Rebels in 2019, establishing himself as one of the competition’s leading ball-carrying No. 8s. Naisarani later returned to where his Super Rugby journey began, rejoining the Western Force during the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with more than 65 Super Rugby appearances to his name.

Naisarani’s rise in Australian rugby culminated in his international debut for the Wallabies against South Africa in Johannesburg in July 2019, becoming Wallaby No. 926. He quickly established himself at No. 8 and was selected in Australia’s squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, where he started against the country of his birth, Fiji, in their opening pool match and featured in the quarterfinal against England.

His career also took him to Japan following his time with the Melbourne Rebels, adding further international club experience to a career that has taken him through some of the toughest professional rugby competitions in the world.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Brad Mooar said: “Isi joining the Drua Vuvale is a very exciting signing for us. A dynamic powerful & skilful player he will add a huge amount to our game in attack & in defence. Watching his games in the Shute Shield this year and speaking with Isi it is clear that he is in a great space and is loving his rugby and life. Isi is happy, fulfilled and hungry to keep getting better and to give to the Drua - that is a powerful combination! Isi will be outstanding for us. Welcome to the Drua Vuvale Isi & family, we are thrilled to have you on board.”

Naisarani finished his 2026 season on a high after he was named in the Code Sports Shute Shield Team of the Year as the No. 8 of the season and finished as the runner-up for the Ken Catchpole Medal with 20 points, 2 points behind the lead.

12 MIDDAY THURSDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER

ANNOUNCEMENT🔊 12 MIDDAY THURSDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER!

Vodafone Fiji VitiKart Eastern State Rugby League Fiji - ESRLF Muaira Rugby League - Maroons FNRL Women's Premiership Vodafone Fiji Bati Fiji Bulikula

FBC News FBC Sports Fiji One News The Fiji Times fijivillage Fiji Sun Fiji One Mai TV

# # 🔥 THE CROWD FAVOURITES ARE BACK! 🔥

**TEAM 3 OF 24 — McDONALD’S MIKE FRIDAY SELECT 7s 🇫🇯🌎**

They’re back for **another crack at the i-Wau Trophy!**

For the **third time**, the **McDonald’s Mike Friday Select 7s** will assemble in RugbyTown, bringing another international line-up to the **2027 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s**.

Two appearances. Two unforgettable campaigns. And now **one more shot at the trophy that has so far stayed in Fijian hands.** 🏆🇫🇯

Under the guidance of renowned international 7s coach **Mike Friday**, the Selects have quickly become genuine **crowd favourites in Sigatoka** — bringing together players from around the rugby world to take on some of Fiji’s very best.

In 2027, they return with unfinished business.

🔥 THIRD ATTEMPT AT THE i-WAU
🌎 INTERNATIONAL SELECT 7s
🏉 TEAM 3 OF 24
📍 Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka
📅 14–16 January 2027
🎟️ FREE ENTRY

Can Mike Friday finally assemble the team that becomes the first overseas side to lift the i-Wau Trophy?

Or will Fiji keep it at home once again? 🇫🇯

WELCOME BACK, McDONALD’S MIKE FRIDAY SELECT 7s!

3 DOWN. 21 TO GO.

WHO’S NEXT? 👀🔥

Lako Mai - 2027 Invitation to the world. McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s The invitation has been sent.The call has been heard.**LAKO MAI.*...

TOSO FIJI BATI!! TOSO FIJI BULIKULA!!

The countdown is ON until the Rugby League World Cup 2026 kicks off, and our Pacific teams ... and fans are ready to make some noise.

The Cook Islands, Fiji, PNG, Samoa and Tonga now know who stands between them and World Cup glory 👀

Check out the full Pacific Islands draw to start planning your watch parties! 📅
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/rugby-league-world-cup-2026-draw-venues-and-locations/107098190

You can listen to the 2026 Men's and Women's Rugby League World Cup live on ABC Radio Australia.

FIJIAN DRUA APPOINT LOCAL TRAILBLAZERS IN NEW LOOK COACHING TEAM


02 September 2026

Nadi, Fiji: The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have locked in their coaching and performance group for upcoming Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific seasons, featuring former Flying Fijian legends and elite international coaches.

For the first time, Fijian coaches from the Fiji Rugby coaching pathways have been added to the Assistant Coach ranks.

Joining Head Coach Brad Mooar and Senior Assistant Coach Mike Catt are five new additions: Ifereimi Rawaqa (Forwards Coach), Campese Ma’afu (Scrum Coach), Alando Soakai (Defence Coach), Dr. Dale Thomas (Clinical & Performance Psychologist Coach), and Luke Vasu (Strength & Conditioning Coach).

The addition of former Flying Fijians Rawaqa and Ma’afu is further proof of the Fijian Drua delivering on one of its key objectives -developing homegrown talent to lead at the highest levels of professional rugby.

Reflecting on the new appointments, Head Coach Brad Mooar said he is incredibly proud and humbled by the quality of the coaching and performance team they have formed to take the Drua into the future. He noted that first and foremost, "Tuif, Mike, Alando, Campese, Dale & Luke are all top-quality people of the highest character who are passionate about what they can give to our Drua players & staff to help them grow."

Mooar highlighted that as hungry and curious learners, they are outstanding exponents of coaching and performance who bring world-class experiences from the cauldron of Test match rugby, World Cups, and competitions across both hemispheres.

"Each individual on their own is a powerful asset for us, however the real power will be in our collective group."

Mooar added that it is a foundational principle to help grow Fijian staff to lead the club forward, stating "so it is even more of a special time to recognise the achievements of Tuif, Campese and Luke to now be on board and showing us the way."

Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller emphasised that securing a coaching group of this calibre is a massive statement for the franchise as it enters its sixth season, combining global expertise with an authentic Fijian identity to create stronger connection in a complete high-performance environment, reinforced by dedicated clinical and performance psychology support to ensure the squad thrives mentally and emotionally under pressure both on and off the field.

Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu also welcomed the news on behalf of the national body, stating, "On behalf of Fiji Rugby, I want to acknowledge the CEO Jeff Miller and the Drua for their commitment to our development systems. The appointments of Ifereimi Rawaqa and Campese Ma’afu showcase exactly what the Drua pathway was built for—holistic growth."

Forwards Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa admitted he felt deeply honoured by the appointment, sharing that "As a local coach, it means a lot to have the opportunity to contribute to the Drua at this level. But I see it more as a responsibility than an achievement. There are a lot of talented local coaches coming through, and hopefully this opens the door and shows that there is a pathway for them too."

Fiji Rugby Union General Manager High-Performance and the Drua’s first Strength and Conditioning Coach, Naca Cawanibuka added his support, stating, "Truly welcome the appointment of Ifereimi Rawaqa and Campese Ma’afu as Assistant Coaches with the Drua, another positive step in strengthening the pathway for Fijian coaches into professional rugby. As former Flying Fijians they bring a wealth of international and professional playing experience into their coaching careers to share with the players, whilst embracing a great opportunity to gain experience themselves in a highly demanding high-performance environment and competition."

Highlighting the journey of Head of Athletic Performance Luke Vasu, Cawanibuka noted: "Luke Vasu is a great example of a young aspiring Fijian. He trialled for Fiji U20s a decade ago, then chased an academic qualification in Sport Science. It's great to see the Drua engaging Fijian professionals who will add impact and influence into the program while inspiring other Fijians in the Coaching pathway to grow themselves. I'm confident Luke will contribute immensely to the program. Would like to thank the Drua for this great opportunity and strengthening the pathways."

Luke Vasu said, "I am truly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Drua vuvale. I’ve been fortunate to work in different environments, at different levels and countries. But to be able to return to Fiji and be able to contribute to the club's continued growth and success is something I am proud of but do not take for granted."
Coaching Profiles

Ifereimi Rawaqa - Forwards Coach

Ifereimi Rawaqa is a familiar face within the Drua environment, having joined the Club in 2023 as Skills and Development Coach and stepped up as interim Head Coach for the McDonald’s Fiji Drua women in 2025. Rawaqa has been in integral member of the Fijian Drua coaching staff. He led recruitment and managed the entire pathway for players contracted to Drua Development. He was instrumental in the set-up of the now known Drua Next Gen (formerly Drua Academy) programme through the Drua Foundation and was personally involved in the selection of the first ever Drua Next Gen Players in 2024/25.

A World Rugby Level 3 accredited coach, Rawaqa has built extensive coaching experience in Fiji since beginning his coaching journey with the Lautoka Under-20 side in 2013 before taking charge of the Lautoka senior team the following year.

He has also served as a coach with the Fijian Latui, Fijiana (interim) and Fiji Warriors and was Head Coach of the Fiji Under-20 side for the 2023 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship and World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.

Rawaqa also brings considerable international playing experience to the role. The former lock earned 44 Test caps for the Flying Fijians and represented Fiji at the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups. He was also a member of Fiji’s Rugby World Cup Sevens-winning side in 2005.

Campese Ma’afu - Scrum Coach

Former Flying Fijians prop Ma’afu joins the Drua coaching setup with a wealth of front-row experience from a professional playing career spanning more than a decade.

The Sydney-born loosehead prop earned 63 Test caps for Fiji and featured at three Rugby World Cups in 2011, 2015 and 2019 before retiring from international rugby following the 2019 tournament.

Ma’afu played professionally in Australia, Wales, England and France during his career, including stints with Cardiff Blues, Nottingham, Provence Rugby, Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers.

Since moving into coaching, Ma’afu has continued to develop his craft in Australia and has most recently been involved with the Fiji Under-20 programme. He was part of the coaching group for Fiji’s 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship campaign, bringing his considerable knowledge and experience of the front row and set piece to the country’s next generation of players.

Alando Soakai - Defence Coach

Soakai joins the Drua with an impressive coaching résumé across New Zealand, Japan and Super Rugby Pacific.

The former Highlanders and Otago loose forward was appointed Head Coach of the Wellington Lions in 2024 and guided the side to the Bunnings Warehouse NPC title in his first season in charge.

His success with Wellington earned him a move into Super Rugby Pacific with Moana Pasifika, where he served as Defence Coach.

Prior to returning to New Zealand, Soakai spent more than a decade with the Kubota Spears in Japan as both a player and coach. As part of the Spears coaching setup, he helped the Club secure its maiden Japan Rugby League One championship in the 2022-23 season. He also coached with the Japan National Development Squad in 2022.

As a player, Soakai made 58 Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders between 2007 and 2011 and represented Otago and Southland at provincial level. He also represented the Junior All Blacks and was part of the New Zealand Sevens side which won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.


Dr. Dale Thomas – Clinical & Performance Psychologist Coach

Dr. Thomas joins the Drua as the Clinical & Performance Psychologist Coach, bringing extensive experience in clinical and performance psychology across elite international sport. A Doctor of Clinical Psychology and qualified sport psychologist, Thomas spent eight years with the Welsh Rugby Union, where he led clinical and performance psychology support across the national men’s, women’s and age-grade programmes. He has also worked with Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic programmes and supported athletes across several international sporting environments. His expertise spans mental wellbeing, performance under pressure, concussion and injury management, emotional regulation and career transition, bringing an integrated approach to supporting both the person and player.

Luke Vasu- Head of Athletic Performance

Originally from Suvavou and shares maternal links to Namara in Tailevu.

Luke Vasu is an experienced high-performance Head of Strength & Conditioning Coach holding an MSc. His elite professional rugby background spans multiple countries, including roles with the Toyota Shuttles Industries, Pearls Rugby in Japan, Hurricanes Poua in New Zealand, and the NSW Waratahs in Australia. He specialises in designing and delivering integrated physical preparation programs covering strength and power development, speed, GPS athlete monitoring, and return-to-play rehabilitation in close collaboration with coaching and medical staff