The Fiji sevens team won the Coral Coast 7s men's title in Sigatoka, Fiji. Photo: Fiji Rugby
The Fiji sevens team won the Coral Coast 7s men's title in Sigatoka, Fiji on Saturday.
They defeated an invitational side, selected by international sevens coach Mark Friday, 29-14 in the final.
Mount Masada (Fijiana 7s shadow team) took the women's title, defeating a New Zealand development side 24-7 in the final.
The men's youth grade was won by the Southland Broncos over the Dominion Brothers 19-0.
Fiji sevens head coach and Olympic gold medalist Osea Kolinisau was also honoured at the Coral Coast event.
New Zealand men's sevens coach Tomasi Cama said Fiji is a good place to learn about the game of sevens, after his young side lost out in the quarterfinals.
"I think the game teaches itself," he said.
"We know the game played week in, week out here - the more you play the more you get better. This is a better place for us to come and learn.
"We've got a lot of young boys in our team, but the foundation of them playing sevens is not there - they are 15s players and this is the best way to help."
Cama said it was a good hit-out before this coming weekend's world sevens series tournament in Perth.
Sevens series leaders Fiji will face New Zealand, Uruguay and Kenya in their group at the Perth Sevens. The Fiji team left for Perth on Monday.
Player in profile - Le'Oxeayn Maiu'u
Le'Oxeayn Maiu'u, the New Zealand-born Samoan was named the top try scorer in the female division of the McDonald's Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, scoring seven tries over the weekend. Photo: Le'Oxeayn Maiu'u
Le'Oxeayn Maiu'u, the New Zealand-born Samoan was named the top try scorer in the female division of the McDonald's Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, scoring seven tries over the weekend.
Maiu'u dedicated her award to her family
"They've seen my highest days and my lowest days, and they've helped shape me into the person and player I am today."
Hailing from Falefa, Nofoali'i, and Vaigaga in Samoa, Maiu'u grew up in a family deeply rooted in sports.
She is number 4 out of 6 children and was born three years after her brother Zyon Maiuu, a well-known figure in the Warriors team.
When asked if she would ever get her tatau, a traditional Samoan tattoo, like her brother, Maiu'u said it's something she's thought about - but she feels she couldn't do it justice without fully immersing herself in the fa'asamoa, the Samoan way of life.
"I spend so much of my time training, and to wear a tatau, I would need to learn the language and be involved in the culture more deeply," she said.
Although she proudly represents New Zealand, Maiu'u's Samoan heritage is central to her identity.
"Because I've grown up in New Zealand, I've always wanted to represent the country I was raised in.
"But I'm also a proud Samoan, and I carry that with me wherever I go."
Maiu'u hopes her journey inspires more Pacific women to pursue rugby.
"I would love to see more females from Pacific backgrounds getting into rugby. Representation is so important, and there's so much untapped talent out there."
Looking ahead, Maiu'u's ultimate goal is to win Olympic gold with the Black Ferns Sevens.
"Rugby Sevens has given me so many opportunities to grow, travel, and represent both New Zealand and my heritage.
"I can't wait to see what the future holds.
"For now, I am focused on taking it one try at a time, with my aiga cheering me on every step of the way."
