Sport
12 October, 2025
Rugby 7s scrumming down
CAIRNS Airport has teamed up with Fiji Airways to help grow one of Far North Queensland’s most vibrant sporting events – the Fiji Airways Cairns 7s Rugby Tournament – set for 7- 8 November at the newly redeveloped Stan Williams Park in Manunda.
Now in its fourth year, the two-day tournament is expected to attract a record 36 men’s and women’s teams from across Queensland, the Pacific, New Zealand and beyond, drawing close to 2000 visitors to the region.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the partnership with Fiji Airways would help the tournament reach new heights.
“We expect visitor numbers will deliver around $3.6 million in spending,” he said. “It’s a celebration of Pacific culture with fierce rivalry on the field and laughter and celebration off it.”
Mr Barker said direct flights from Fiji to Cairns, launched six months ago, had made it far easier for teams and supporters from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji to travel directly to the Far North.
“This sets the platform for strong growth,” he said. “Australian teams will hear what a great event this is and come up from Brisbane and Sydney to participate. Sport brings countries closer together and this tournament showcases our shared Pacific culture and values right here in Cairns.”
The Fiji Community Association FNQ (FCAFNQ) hosts the annual event, with Fiji Airways and Cairns Airport joining as major sponsors in 2025.
FCAFNQ president Ili Cava said the competition had grown rapidly since its inception, helping to reconnect communities after the pandemic.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to attract more international sides,” he said.
“It also helps promote Cairns ahead of the 2032 Olympics – as a place to visit, explore and play the game we love.”
Mr Cava said the event was much more than a rugby tournament.
“Expect tropical vibes and a festival atmosphere celebrating sport, culture and community,” he said.
“It’s about showcasing the spirit of Far North Queensland.”
He said the local Fijian community had wholeheartedly embraced the tournament.
Barron Bullettes player Charlyn Harman said the women’s competition was also expanding.
“It’s definitely growing, we’ve got teams from Townsville and Western Australia coming, and it’s great to see new faces from across the Pacific,” she said. “It’s about reconnecting with other teams and bringing that free-spirited, freestyle rugby we play back home.”
The 2025 event will feature a $40,000 prize pool.
