Rugby sevens: Fiji sevens tourney a family day out

Sevens rugby fans are in for a treat at the Northland Fiji Sports' event in Whangarei this weekend that has attracted teams from as far away as Waikato.

Eight teams have confirmed their participation and fans will have an opportunity to see the likes of renowned New Zealand sevens exponent Waisiki Masirewa and Joeli Vidiri at tomorrow's tournament at Old Boys' rugby grounds on Port Road.

Local teams participating are Whangarei Stars and Whangarei Babaas comprising Fijian players and Kerikeri players with affiliation to the Northland Rugby Union.

Four teams are coming up from Auckland, including one being coached by Vidiri.

Masirewa is bringing a team from Waikato.

Tournament spokesperson Soro Ramacake said like last year, fans to this year's tournament would be in for a feast of sevens rugby and a great family day out.

"We checked other tournaments around the country just to see they don't clash with ours and there's only one other tournament that's being played in Whangamata.

"Our focus is to try and promote our tournament as one that everyone can take part in and enjoy rather than making it a purely Fijian event.

"We are also focusing on developing younger players and getting them exposed to Northland rugby as well as wider unions," Mr Ramacake said.

There are no entry fees and Mr Ramacake has urged families to come up and enjoy other things such as food stalls and face painting for kids.

-Call Isa Nawaqa on 0211710363 or email northlandfijisports@gmail.com for queries on the tournament.