The countdown has begun for the Oceania Rugby 7s Tournament, as the official draws were revealed today at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Scheduled for 7–8 December 2024, this year’s event will feature 15 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams, with a total of 58 thrilling games over two days of fierce competition.
The tournament showcases a mix of seasoned rugby powerhouses and emerging talent, with a significant milestone as Niue and Kiribati make their debut in the women’s division, marking a proud moment for Pacific rugby.
Road to the Challenger Series
The stakes are high for teams competing in this year’s tournament. The two highest-ranked non-HSBC SVNS qualified men’s teams and the highest-ranked non-HSBC SVNS qualified women’s team will secure spots in the World Rugby Challenger Series.
Teams already qualified for the HSBC Sevens World Series—such as Fiji and Australia in the men’s competition and Fiji in the women’s competition—are not eligible for Challenger Series qualification, leaving the race wide open for other teams to rise to the occasion.
Tournament Highlights
Wayne Schuster, Oceania Rugby Sevens Tournament Director, shared his excitement about the upcoming games: “We’re thrilled to host an action-packed weekend with 58 games across two days—22 in the women’s section and 36 in the men’s section. It’s set to be an exhilarating showcase of Pacific rugby talent.”
“The tournament kicks off with a historic moment as Kiribati’s women’s team make their international rugby debut against Tonga, alongside Niue’s debut in the women’s division. These moments highlight the growth of rugby in our region and the incredible opportunities for these teams to shine.”
“Saturday night promises a thrilling encounter in the men’s section, with hosts Solomon Islands taking on Tonga in a match that could decide the Solomon Islands’ advancement to the World Rugby Challenger Series.”
“In the women’s section, the Solomon Islands team faces a formidable challenge in their final round match on Saturday, going head-to-head with top seeds Fijiana in their quest to qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.”
Men’s Competition
The men’s division features 15 teams, including perennial powerhouses Fiji and Australia, as well as teams hungry to secure Challenger Series spots. The stage is set for electrifying encounters and a weekend of unforgettable rugby action.
Women’s Competition
The women’s division includes 9 teams, with debutants Niue and Kiribati bringing fresh energy to the tournament. Fijiana 7s, the top seeds, will look to defend their dominance, but the path to glory remains wide open for other contenders.
Host Nation Spotlight
George Temahua, President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation, highlighted the importance of the event: “The Oceania Rugby 7s is a moment of pride for the Solomon Islands. It is an opportunity to showcase our culture, hospitality, and passion for rugby to the world while hosting the Pacific’s best.”
Frank Puletua General Manager Oceania Rugby said “This tournament represents the heart and soul of rugby in our region, showcasing not just world-class talent but also the unity and diversity of the Pacific. Seeing new teams like Niue and Kiribati make their debut is a testament to the incredible growth of the game, and it highlights the opportunities rugby creates for emerging nations to shine on an international stage.Honiara, with its rich culture and passionate rugby community, is the perfect backdrop for this milestone event.”
Get Ready for the Action
With historic moments, fierce competition, and high stakes, the Oceania Rugby 7s promises to be an unforgettable weekend.
