04/09/2026
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SIGATOKA, FIJI β 4 September 2026
One of the most electrifying players ever to grace a rugby field, Christian Cullen, will return to a country that knows and loves its running rugby after being confirmed as an Official Ambassador for the 2027 McDonaldβs Coral Coast Fiji 7s and the 20th inductee into the RugbyTown Walk of Fame.
Affectionately known throughout the rugby world as βThe PaekΔkΔriki Express,β Cullen will be honoured during the 15th edition of the tournament, to be staged at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, from 14β16 January 2027.
Cullen's induction recognises an extraordinary career and, importantly, his place in the history of rugby sevens.
Before becoming one of the most feared attacking players in Test rugby, Cullen announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion in the shortened form of the game. His pace, balance, acceleration and instinctive ability to find space made him ideally suited to sevens and helped establish the reputation that would follow him throughout his career.
He would go on to become an All Blacks great, earning 58 Test caps and scoring 46 Test tries, while becoming one of the defining attacking players of his generation.
For tournament founder and Chairman Jay Whyte, Cullen's inclusion as the 20th RugbyTown inductee represents another significant milestone for the event.
βChristian Cullen was box office before we even used that term in rugby. When he got the ball, people stood up because you genuinely didn't know what was about to happen.β
βWhat makes Christian particularly special for us is his connection to sevens. Before the world knew him as an All Blacks superstar, sevens provided a stage for that incredible speed, footwork and attacking instinct.β
βFijians appreciate players who are prepared to attack, take risks and play what is in front of them. Christian played rugby exactly that way, which is why I think there has always been such an appreciation for him here in Fiji.β
βTo welcome Christian Cullen as an Ambassador for our 15th edition and, at the same time, make him RugbyTown Walk of Fame inductee number 20 is something we're incredibly proud of.β
RUGBY ROYALTY COMES TO RUGBYTOWN
The RugbyTown Walk of Fame, located in Sigatoka, celebrates players who have made an extraordinary contribution to rugby sevens and to the global game.
Cullen will become Inductee #20, joining an exceptional collection of rugby legends whose footprints and achievements are permanently recognised in the town that proudly calls itself RugbyTown.
His involvement will extend beyond the induction ceremony, with Cullen participating in tournament activities and engaging with teams, supporters and the Fiji rugby community throughout the three-day international event.
The 2027 tournament will once again bring together some of the world's most exciting established and emerging sevens talent across Men's, Women's and Youth competitions, continuing the Coral Coast 7s tradition of combining elite international rugby with the unique atmosphere and hospitality of Fiji.
Whyte said the Ambassador programme had become an important part of connecting today's players with those who helped shape the game.
βOur Ambassadors aren't simply invited to sit in the grandstand. We want them amongst the people, talking rugby, meeting the teams, sharing stories and experiencing what makes this tournament and this part of Fiji so special.β
βChristian Cullen is one of those rare rugby players whose highlights remain spectacular decades later. There will be young players at Lawaqa Park in January who weren't even born when Christian was playing, but they know the name and they know the footage.β
βThat's what being a legend of the game means.β
THE 15TH EDITION
The 2027 McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s will mark the tournament's 15th edition, continuing its reputation as one of the world's premier invitational rugby sevens tournaments.
Played at the spiritual home of the tournament, Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, the event will feature 24 Men's teams, 12 Women's teams and 16 Youth teams, with international sides competing alongside some of Fiji's finest sevens talent.
And in keeping with the tournament's founding philosophy, entry to Lawaqa Park remains FREE, giving the people of Fiji the opportunity to see international rugby stars, emerging talent and legends of the game together in RugbyTown.
McDonald's Coral Coast Fiji 7s
π Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, Fiji
π
14β16 January 2027
π Men's | Women's | Youth
ποΈ FREE ENTRY
β ENDS β
