The Oceania Rugby Sevens 2024 concluded in spectacular style at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands, showcasing the pinnacle of Pacific rugby talent and determination. The finals not only crowned regional champions but also confirmed the teams advancing to the prestigious World Rugby Challenger Series.
Women’s Final:
The Fijiana 7s Development team battled Manusina 7s in a match defined by grit and tactical play. Locked in a scoreless stalemate at halftime, the Fijiana team surged in the second half to claim a 14-5 victory. Manusina 7s making the final has now emerged as the highest-placed eligible team, earning their place in the World Rugby Challenger Series and representing Pacific women’s rugby.
Men’s Final:
The Fijian 7s Development team faced off against Manu Samoa 7s in a pulsating final. Samoa capitalized on key moments and Fiji’s errors, delivering an unforgettable 17-12 victory in extra time. This dramatic win secured ManuSamoa 7s a coveted spot in the World Rugby Challenger Series, solidifying their place as one of the region’s top teams.
Men’s 3rd Place Playoff:
In a fiercely contested battle, Tonga faced Tuvalu in the playoff for the final men’s qualification spot. Tonga demonstrated resilience, edging out Tuvalu 24-19 in extra time and earning their qualification to the Challenger Series.
Tournament Highlights:
- Team Participation:
The tournament welcomed 15 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams, bringing together the best in Pacific rugby talent. - Vibrant Opening:
The captain’s photoshoot on December 6 set the tone for the tournament, celebrating the unity and diversity of the Pacific rugby family. - Cultural Showcase:
The Solomon Islands provided a stunning and culturally rich backdrop, with fans embracing the excitement and camaraderie of the event. The host nation’s pride and hospitality were on full display, reinforcing the tournament as more than a competition—it was a celebration of Pacific identity. - Record Accessibility:
The tournament through PACAUS TV, with coverage extending to 12 nations across the Pacific, complemented by global livestreaming, ensuring fans everywhere could enjoy the action. - Economic and Legacy Impact:
The event brought over 500 athletes, officials, and fans to Honiara, contributing significantly to the local economy and leaving a lasting legacy of sports development in the Solomon Islands.
Looking Ahead
The qualified teams—Manu Samoa 7s, Manusina 7s, and Tonga 7s—will now prepare for the World Rugby Challenger Series, a critical gateway to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Their success at the Oceania Rugby Sevens is a testament to the growing prominence of Pacific rugby on the global stage.
BACKGROUND
Oceania Rugby: Oceania Rugby is one of six regional associations of World Rugby, responsible for representing the interests of its 17 Members. Oceania Rugby works closely with Member Unions on the development and reach of rugby in the region to promote the growth of rugby throughout Oceania. Central to this is a series of tournaments and development programmes run and coordinated by Oceania Rugby. Oceania Rugby’s sport for development programmes contribute to achieving gender equality, reducing inequality, and ending violence against women and children, and are built around the rugby values: respect, integrity, solidarity, discipline and passion.
Photos from the Finals can be accessed HERE.
Full Tournament Results are available HERE.