Jonah Lomu honoured | Fiji's Coral Coast Sevens
Rugby legend Jonah Lomu was honoured at a ceremony that signaled the beginning of the Coral Coast Sevens tournament.
Lomu, ambassador to the Fiji-based tournament, was presented with a plaque on Sigatoka's newly crowned "Walk of Fame."
Additionally, in light of the world record he holds of 15 tries in a single match, the Jonah Lomu medal was created and will be awarded to the highest try scorer at the end of the tournament.
The commemorative plaque, a true testament to Lomu’s influence to the game reads, “I’ve seen a lot of people like him, but they weren’t playing on the wing.”
With the conclusion of the ceremony the teams marched through town into Lawaqa Park and the three-day feast of rugby began.
Australia's Sunnybank team were outscored by the lithe and limber local team Naviti. Naviti got on the board fast and held their lead to come out on top 17 - 5.
The Auckland-based team, Marist, managed to fare a bit better against local team, Hideaway but still lost of 17 - 19.
The rest of the day saw many upsets.
Faring better were the Australia Thunderbolts - they’re the team to watch beating Navosa Warriors 31 - 5.
The Thunderbolts have fielded a young team with three members just 19 years of age. Coached by rugby and league legend Michael O'Connor the Thunderbolts will be using the Coral Coast Sevens as preparation for a busy season of Sevens with Dubai next stop.
Day 1 Results:
Naviti 17 - 5 Australia Sunnybank
Hideaway 19 - 17 Auckland Marist
Warwick 5 - 19 Daveta
Yamacia 12 - 20 Wardens Green
Hydro 22 - 12 Dritabua
Police 19 - 14 Outrigger
Red Rock II 0 - 12 Wardens Gold
Australia Thunderbolts 31 - 5 Navosa
Tonga 19 - 14 Pacific Warriors
Tokatoka Wfield Babas 33 - 0 Navy
Red Rock 31 - 7 Nabua
Serevi Selects 17 - 14 Lomaiviti Babas
Naviti 12 - 12 Wardens Gold
Australia Thunderbolts 22 - 17 Hideaway Hurricanes
Tonga 19 - 10 Warwick
Tokatoka Wfield 21 - 7 Yamacia
Red Rock 33 - 12 Dritabua
Serevi Selects 26 - 12 Outrigger
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