Sport
19 October, 2026
Players set to take off
MORE than 500 competitors in 36 teams from across the Pacific and Australia are to touch down in Cairns later this month for this year’s Fiji Airways Rugby 7s competition.
Fiji Community Association FNQ president Ili Cava said interest in this year’s tournament had grown ahead of the event at Stan Williams Park on Friday and Saturday 30 and 31 October.
“Players and supporters will travel from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands – and from Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin, Brisbane and around regional Queensland,” he said.
“Cairns is an ideal location, because of direct services with Fiji Airways and Air Niugini and it gives visiting teams the opportunity to extend their stay and experience Tropical North Queensland.”
Mr Cava said this year’s tournament was expected to feature a number of high-performance competitors.
“Feedback from teams has been extremely positive. They are excited about competing in Cairns, enjoying the tropical environment and building stronger rugby connections across Australia and the Pacific,” he said.
“Players will experience Cairns’ hospitality, quality sporting infrastructure and community support – and they will take that feedback with them. There is a great opportunity for Cairns to develop as an international gateway for teams to train, compete and visit.”
A $12 million upgrade of Stan Williams Park was completed last year, providing a new grandstand and modern amenities. Further improvements are in the pipeline for a second phase of refurbishments.
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said it was an exciting period of growth for the region and highlighted the importance of air connectivity to the Pacific and beyond.
“Major sporting competitions like Fiji Airways Rugby 7s help to showcase our region as a world-class events and business hub, as well as an idyllic holiday destination,” he said.
This year’s tournament, which is expected to draw 2000-plus spectators and provide a $50,000 prize pool, will include family-friendly activities and DJ entertainment.
