The fourth and final leg of Fiji Rugby's Super Sevens Series will go ahead in Suva next month.
The first three legs of the Super Sevens Series took place at the start of the year. Photo: Fiji Rugby
The previous three rounds took place in January, February and March featuring local players in an effort to help the Fiji men's and women's national teams prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.
The two-day tournaments aim to replicate the environment of a World Rugby Sevens Series event.
Fiji Rugby Union CEO John O'Connor said the earlier Super Sevens Series served its purpose in giving their players much needed gametime in the leadup to the Oceania Sevens and Olympic Games.
16 men's teams and a record 12 women's teams will participate in the final leg at ANZ Stadium on November 13-14, which O'Connor said would give the players the necessary game time ahead of the opening round of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai two weeks later.
"We are happy to say that we have included 12 women's teams for the fourth leg and we expect stiff competition in the women's category this time around," he said.
"Players who are part of the Fiji Men's extended squad will feature for their own clubs during the final leg of the Super 7s Series.
"This leg will set the platform and assist our men's and women's team and coaches preparing for the 2021/2022 World Rugby Sevens Series opening leg in Dubai in December."
A record 12 women's teams will take part next month, up from four in the previous legs. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Fijiana head coach Saiasi Fuli is currently overseeing both the men's and women's programs, following the departure of Gareth Baber.
He said it was massively important to have this final leg of the Super Sevens Series to ensure they are on the right track ahead of the Dubai 7s.
"With the extended squad players participating in this tournament, we will be able to gauge their fitness capacity, build right combinations, provide the basis of selection and above all they will all get the much-needed game time of 7s rugby."
Meanwhile John O'Connor confirmed that only fully vaccinate players and team officials will be allowed to play.
"All the participating clubs are to submit their vaccinations details, headshots and the names of the team members by November the 8th," he said.
"The FRU has been working closely with participating teams with regards to the 'Terms of Participation' and the 'Rules and Regulations', to ensure that the tournament is run smoothly and is compliant with Fiji's 'Safe Return to Training and to Play' protocols."
Police Blue lead the Super 7s Series standings after the first three legs.
The overall Men's Series champions will be awarded the inaugural Super 7s Series trophy and $20,000, the second-placed team will get $10,000 while the third-placed team receives $5000.