Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
22 March, 2026, 6:38 pm
Central - 27°C Rain
22 March, 2026, 6:38 pm Central - 27°C Rain

Anybody’s game at the Madrid 7s – Ben Gollings

Anybody’s game at the Madrid 7s – Ben Gollings

By Mosese Raqio
29/05/2024
Former Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach and England Rugby 7s legend Ben Gollings

Former Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach and England Rugby 7s legend Ben Gollings believes it is anybody’s game in the upcoming HSBC Madrid 7s this weekend.

Gollings says it is interesting to see that there has not been one team that has had complete consistency.

He says people would think that Argentina, who are the men’s League winners, has been up there but a lot of teams have been up one minute and down the next.

He adds trying to pick winners is not straightforward.

Gollings says if he were to pick, there is a possibility of an Argentina versus New Zealand in the final.

He says on paper at the moment, people would argue that Ireland and New Zealand would be favourites in Pool B based on form but South Africa and Fiji could cause an upset.

Gollings says there is a lot to play for and it adds to the pressure these teams have to manage.

The Madrid 7s will be held from Friday night to Monday morning.

The Fiji Men will take on NZ at 12.14am Saturday, they will then play Ireland at 11.06pm Saturday before taking on South Africa at 1.49am Sunday. The Men’s cup semi finals will kick off at 10.21pm Sunday and the cup final will be at 6.26am Monday.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s will take on France at 11.28pm Friday, they will then play Australia at 10.22pm Saturday before playing Ireland at 1.05am Sunday. The Women’s Cup semi finals will kick off at 9.33pm Sunday and the cup final will be at 5.49am Monday.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Australia commits $35M to boost Fiji’s flood resilience
Australia is investing FJ$35 million between 2026 and 2029 to support Fiji’s efforts to reduce flood risks and strengthen climate resilience.This ha...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Grand Pacific Hotel high tea sells out as Pastry Chef Kirsten Tibballs showcases exclusive desserts
The Grand Pacific Hotel hosted a sold-out high tea event featuring internationally renowned pastry chef Kirsten Tibballs.Regional General Manager for ...
50 minutes ago

Drua must secure away wins for top six push
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua now face an uphill battle to keep their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive following a 21–6 defeat to the ...
1 hour ago

Iran responds to Trump’s threats he will ‘obliterate’ power plants if Strait of Hormuz does not open
Israel says strikes on Iran are to "rise significantly" in the coming week.US President Donald Trump has given Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to open the ...
1 hour ago

Farmers’ Organisations strengthen plans to support over 80,000 farmers
Farmers’ organisations from across Fiji met in Suva recently to strengthen their plans for supporting farmers and helping the country’s ...
2 hours ago

FWCC trains RFMF Gender Focal Points to strengthen response to violence against women
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has completed a week-long intensive training for 35 Gender Focal Points from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, ...
2 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
16 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
23 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
23 days ago

TOP