In the latest development on the Fiji sevens scene, DEVO Babas dedicated their triumph at the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s to late teammate Police Constable Peniasi Racagi after a hard-fought final victory over Nationwide Army Green at the HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday. Head coach Viliame Ratute said the memory of Racagi galvanised the squad throughout the tournament and helped drive them to the title in an emotionally charged finish.
“We reminded the boys after our semi-final against the Yaro Chiefs that Army was the team to beat this year, so we had to lift physically and mentally,” Ratute said, praising his players for executing a disciplined game plan under pressure. He singled out the team’s structure and fitness as decisive factors, saying those elements allowed the Babas to hold their shape and close out tight moments against a strong Army side.
What makes the victory significant beyond the tribute is how little formal preparation the Babas had for the Marist event. Ratute revealed the club had been focused on an overseas tour — preparing to defend a title in Papua New Guinea — and were the last team to register for the Marist 7s only after organisers requested the defending champions’ participation. Despite the late entry and limited lead-up, the Babas produced consistent performances across the weekend.
Ratute credited a blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners for stepping up when it mattered. He noted that senior players, including two based overseas, returned to bolster the squad for the Marist tournament. “Our message is simple — when players secure overseas contracts, they should come and give back to the club. That’s what those boys did,” he said, underscoring the role of club loyalty in the victory.
The win also carries momentum into the Babas’ next assignment: they will defend their title at the NiuPower KMHL Sports Tok 7s tournament next month. Ratute said the team will quickly refocus on preparations for that event, aiming to carry the discipline and cohesion shown at Marist into another title defence.
Beyond silverware, the triumph at the HFC Bank Stadium has a deeper resonance for the club and its supporters. Dedicating the victory to Racagi has turned a sporting success into a communal moment of remembrance, with players and officials highlighting how the loss of their teammate provided additional purpose across the competition. As the Babas regroup for their overseas commitments, the Marist win — achieved under unusual circumstances — stands as the latest chapter in their campaign to remain a dominant presence in regional sevens.
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