Simran Chand 
David Dakuitoga. [Photo Credit: Coral Coast Fiji 7s]
David Dakuitoga has been appointed as the coaching understudy to renowned sevens mentor Mike Friday for the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s, strengthening one of the tournament’s top invitational teams ahead of next year’s competition.
Dakuitoga is no stranger to success at Lawaqa Park. He famously guided Yamacia to their dramatic 2013 i-Wau Trophy win over Army, a final still talked about by fans more than a decade later.
His coaching career has continued to rise, most recently leading Navosa to promotion into the 2026 Skipper Cup.
His new role is seen as both recognition of his proven track record and an opportunity to work alongside Friday, one of the most respected figures in international sevens coaching.
Dakuitoga will join Friday and an international mix of sevens talent as they prepare a strong campaign for the i-Wau Trophy and the tournament’s $50,000 top prize.
The partnership adds another layer of strength and experience to the Coral Coast 7s, which continues to grow as one of the world’s premier invitational rugby sevens events.
The Coral Coast 7s starts on the 15th to the 17th of January at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
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