Pittwater Online News

The two-day tournament will feature a major 32-team men’s Rugby Sevens competition alongside a women’s competition, bringing together players, officials, families, supporters and rugby fans for a weekend celebrating grassroots sport, Pacific culture and community.

The Nationwide Nadi Rugby 7’s has been created with a vision that extends well beyond the playing field – to provide grassroots rugby players with an opportunity to showcase their talent, strengthen the connection between the Pacific and Australian rugby communities, and create an event where people from all backgrounds can come together through sport.

Tournament Director Nanise Kennedy said:

“For us, this tournament is about much more than rugby. Rugby is deeply connected to our Pacific culture, our families and our communities. It brings generations together and gives us an opportunity to celebrate who we are while sharing our culture with the wider Australian community.

Through the Nationwide Nadi Rugby 7’s, we want to create a place where everyone feels welcome—Pacific Islanders, Australians and people from all backgrounds. It is about grassroots players showcasing their talent, families coming together, and our younger generation seeing their culture represented proudly through sport.

We are extremely proud to bring this celebration of rugby, culture and community to Pittwater Rugby Park and Sydney.”

Rugby has long played an important role across Fiji and the wider Pacific, extending beyond competition to become a powerful expression of culture, community and connection. The Nationwide Nadi Rugby 7’s will celebrate that relationship by bringing together rugby, Pacific hospitality, families and community in one major weekend.

“The Nationwide Nadi Rugby 7’s Association expresses its sincere gratitude to Nationwide Care Plus for believing in our vision and proudly sponsoring the $50,000 prize money for this tournament. Their generous support is more than a financial contribution — it is a vote of confidence in grassroots rugby, our Pacific community and the opportunities this tournament aims to create for players and families. We are deeply grateful to Nationwide Care Plus for standing with us and helping make this celebration of rugby, culture and community possible.” Ms Kennedy said

Nance Kennedy, Tournament Director for Nationwide Nadi Rugby Sevens. Photo supplied

The event will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the strong contribution that Fijian and Pacific Island communities continue to make to rugby in Australia – from grassroots clubs through to the highest levels of the game.

With Pittwater Rugby Park providing the setting, organisers hope the tournament will establish a lasting connection between Pacific rugby and Sydney and grow into an event that players, families and supporters look forward to for years to come.

'Nationwide Care Plus was founded by Sammee and Sue over 10 years ago, with a genuine passion and vision to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

 

Today, we remain committed to supporting people with dignity, independence, choice and purpose.

 

We provide personalised services including:

We also strongly believe in advocating for vulnerable people, older Australians and people living with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and they have the opportunity to live the life they choose.

 

Our dedicated team takes the time to understand each person,  their needs, goals and dreams and works to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued, heard and respected.

 

For Samme and Sue, Nationwide Care Plus is more than a business, it is a passion, a purpose and a commitment to giving back to the community.

 

We don’t just provide care. We care about people.'