Council sponsors Fraser Coast Rugby 7s festival

The inaugural Fraser Coast Rugby 7s Festival will be held in Hervey Bay in February 2022.

The festival is organised by Island Breeze Rugby Plus, a group of Fijians now living and working on the Fraser Coast.

“The festival has been sanctioned by Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds,” Island Breeze National Chairman Waqa Baravilala said.

So far, just with word of mouth, there is a lot of interest from teams to play.

“The aim is for a one-day festival at the Mariners grounds in Walkers Road on 19 February 2022,” he said.

“That will cater for 12 senior men’s teams, eight senior women’s teams and four social teams to be comprised of Pacific Islander seasonal workers on farms from Bundaberg to Biggenden; as well as under 16 and under 17 teams.”

In 14 years of playing in Rugby 7s carnivals across the country, it is the first time Island Breeze have organised a festival.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the group to run the carnival.

“Rugby 7s is an international and Olympic sport,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

“There is plenty of scope for the sport and festival to grow, especially as we lead up to the 2032 Queensland Olympics.

“Council is focussed on growing our local economy while also ensuring we have a healthy and active community. Supporting events like this Rugby 7s festival help us to achieve those outcomes.”

Mr Baravilala hopes current and retired players from the Australian and Queensland teams will visit the festival.

“It would be great, especially for the young players, to be able to watch first class players on the field, and it will be a great opportunity for young players to show their stuff and be mentored by experienced players.

“While initially it will be a one-day event, we hope it will grow into an even bigger festival.”