The Black Orchid 7s team will make their tournament debut at the 15th edition of the McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s, which will take place from 14th to 16th January 2027 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Fresh from their impressive triumph at the Cairns 7s, the reigning champions will arrive in Fiji with growing confidence, considerable momentum and ambitions of testing themselves against some of the finest sevens teams from around the world.
Representing the proud rugby community of Bougainville, Black Orchid 7s bring an exciting new dimension to the international tournament, further strengthening the Coral Coast Fiji 7s' reputation as a truly global gathering of rugby talent.
Tournament Chairman Jay Whyte welcomed the inclusion of the Bougainville champions, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for emerging rugby nations and communities to compete on the international stage.
He says they are absolutely delighted to welcome the Black Orchid 7s team to Sigatoka for the first time.
Whyte says their recent success at the Cairns 7s demonstrates the quality, determination and ambition of this exciting team, and they cannot wait to see them test themselves against some of the world's best.
He says one of the great strengths of the tournament is its ability to bring together rugby communities from across the Pacific and beyond.
The Chairman adds that Bougainville has a proud sporting identity, and they are thrilled to provide these players with the opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the biggest stages in international invitational sevens.
Whyte says winning in Cairns is a tremendous achievement, but coming to Sigatoka presents an entirely new challenge.
He says their tournament is renowned for its extraordinary standard of competition, passionate supporters and the unique atmosphere that only Fiji can deliver.
He also says the Black Orchid 7s team conquered Cairns but now the champions of Bougainville are coming to take on the world in Sigatoka.
The Chairman highlighted that the inclusion of the Black Orchid 7s team also reinforces the tournament's commitment to strengthening rugby connections throughout the Pacific, providing an invaluable platform for talented players to gain international exposure, build relationships and experience the intensity of elite-level competition.
The 2027 tournament promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet, with a formidable international field assembling to challenge for the prestigious i-Wau Trophy and $50,000 men's championship first prize.
