Cagivou’s under-21 side made a modest but memorable entry to the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s on day one at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, suffering a 0-7 defeat to Service Rugby Club in their inaugural match. The team from Naitasiri, taking part in the storied sevens tournament for the first time, left the field grateful for the experience and determined to use the setback as a stepping stone for the rounds ahead.
Captain Emosi Namuatabu described the opening match as “challenging” but said the result offered clear lessons for the young side. “It was a great match, first match will always be a tough match, but we are looking to improve in other games to come,” Namuatabu said, acknowledging the higher level of competition they now face in Marist 7s. He added that the team will give their best on the field as they adjust to the pace and physicality of tournament rugby.
The Cagivou squad is largely made up of boys from the village, and Namuatabu highlighted the practical difficulties behind their participation. Financial constraints have made preparation for a national event demanding, with the team still seeking sponsorship to cover costs associated with travel, gear and training. “Preparing for this big competition is not easy, as we need sponsors to support us,” he said, thanking families and local supporters for their backing and calling for continued help as the tournament progresses.
Beyond the scoreline, the Cagivou players achieved one of their main objectives by simply being on the big stage. Exposure at one of Fiji’s most visible rugby events offers young talent valuable match experience and the chance to measure themselves against established club sides. For a first-time entrant from a rural district, the tournament also presents networking opportunities with coaches and scouts who regularly attend Marist 7s seeking emerging players.
Tournament veterans and fans will note that debutants often take time to find cohesion in the fast, unforgiving sevens format. Namuatabu and his teammates appear focused on incremental gains — ironing out errors, sharpening fitness and building combinations — rather than immediate results. Their pragmatic approach suggests Cagivou aim to grow through successive matches rather than be defined by their opening defeat.
As the Marist 7s moves into later rounds, Cagivou’s campaign will be watched with interest by local supporters who have rallied behind the village side. The next fixtures represent immediate opportunities for the under-21s to translate the lessons from their loss into improved performances and possibly an upset or two, which would underline the value of giving grassroots teams a pathway to national competition.
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