Oceania Rugby was unable to secure funding for the Oceania Rugby 7s Cup in Rotorua. Photo / Photosport
The organisation said stakeholder funding commitments, including support from World Rugby, had been met, but Oceania Rugby was unable to satisfy its own funding requirements within the available timeframe.
General manager Frank Puletua said it was not the outcome anyone wanted.
“I’m sorry for the disappointment it causes our players, teams, fans and the Rotorua community.
“We pursued every option to deliver this tournament. When it became clear we could not secure the funding needed in the time available, the responsible decision was not to proceed.
“We own that decision. Our focus now is on looking after the teams, ticket holders and partners affected, and on securing a qualification pathway for our players.”
The organisation said the decision had not been made lightly, acknowledging the planning and preparation undertaken to bring international sevens rugby to Rotorua.
Oceania Rugby also thanked RotoruaNZ, local partners and community stakeholders for their support, and said it would welcome Rotorua’s consideration as a future host.
No host has yet been selected for the 2027 Oceania Rugby 7s tournament.
A location for the 2027 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup has not been selected yet. Photo / Photosport
The organisation said it had already informed participating teams, member unions, partners, suppliers and other affected stakeholders of the decision.
Ticket holders will receive automatic refunds through Ticketmaster within three to five business days.
Oceania Rugby said it remained committed to protecting the future of the competition and ensuring Pacific teams and players continued to have access to international sevens pathways
Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.