BY JOY OFASIA
THE Solomon Islands national women’s and men’s sevens team left the country for the Oceania Sevens Championships and Olympic Qualifier in Australia.
Both teams have a total of 30 members, including 12 players each and six officials, who have traveled together.
The CEO of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) Alivereti Mocelutu confirmed to RAW SPORTS that the men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams will compete in the Oceania 7s championship cup, which will take place at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, Australia from November 10–12.
“In the Oceania Sevens and the Olympic Qualifier, both teams will be competing against other nations in the region for three days,” he said. “The Olympic qualifying tournament is held three years prior to the Olympic Games, but the Oceania Sevens Championships are held annually.”
According to Alivereti Mocelutu, the team benefits from exposure and interactions with other teams in the regional level of rugby competition.
“Playing against some of the top teams in the region is a great way for the team to gain more confidence while being exposed to and meeting other teams in the Oceania region.
The championships will feature teams from seven other countries in the Oceania region, providing valuable preparation for the Pacific Games 2023.
After the Oceania 7s Championship, the teams will return to the country and proceed to Team Solomons camp to prepare for the Pacific Games 2023.
The XVII Pacific Games 2023 begins from November 19 to December 2 in Honiara.
