It is the battle of some of the best coaches and former players in the 7's rugby code when the Uprising Fiji International 7's kicks off on Friday at the TFL Stadium.

Leading the onslaught are former Fiji 15's coach, Wayne Pivac and Paul Feeney who were in charge of the Fiji 7's team when they won the Melrose Cup in 2005.

Pivac guided Auckland to win the NZ provincial title for the 11th year earlier this month.

The Digicel Fiji Barbarians will have Alifereti Dere and Etuate Waqa while Timoci Wainiqolo who scored the winning try for Fiji's three in a row win in Hong Kong in 1991 is looking after the champion Wardens team.

Police have Manasa Bari and Etuate “Honda” Gusuivalu coaching the side while Army is under the leadership of Jope Tuikabe.

Defending champion, Red Rock has Lote Rasiga while Ratu Filise will be coached by former Fiji 7's and Fiji Bati rep, Noa Nadruku.

Fiji Babas assistant coach, Etuate Waqa said with this caliber of coaches, the Uprising 7's will be one of the toughest assignments for any side.