The vibrant town of Labasa is gearing up for an exciting rugby event as the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s tournament returns for its fourth edition from January 8 to 10. This much-anticipated three-day event will be hosted by the Services Rugby Club based in Nawadamu, promising thrilling rugby action across various divisions.
Vika Vataniyaragi, the tournament organizer, expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead. “We are really looking forward to this tournament and we anticipate three days of exciting competition,” she said. The tournament will feature three categories: men’s, women’s, and U21 divisions, and already, a significant number of teams have shown interest from across the nation.
Vataniyaragi shared that the men’s division has reached full capacity, boasting all 32 team slots filled. The women’s category is also at capacity with eight confirmed teams. In the U21 division, 21 teams have already registered, leaving only three spots available out of the required 24. This overwhelming response indicates the growing popularity of the tournament over the years.
Adding to the excitement, Vataniyaragi takes pride in being the sole female organizer within the Fiji Bitter 7s series. “I’m blessed to be the only lady organizer in this Fiji Bitter 7s series and I’m very proud of that,” she remarked.
Apart from showcasing rugby talent, the tournament emphasizes community development. The primary aim of the event is to generate funds for two significant projects: the construction of a gym and a community hall for the Nawadamu community. The gym will be accessible to all clubs affiliated with the Macuata Rugby Union, providing essential support to players as they prepare for the Macuata team. Vataniyaragi believes this initiative will enhance grassroots rugby.
In addition to the gym, plans are underway to build a community hall, which is intended to serve a critical role during natural disasters. Given that the Nawadamu area is prone to flooding, the hall will also function as an evacuation center.
With an estimated budget of around $300,000 for both projects, the support garnered through the tournament is crucial for achieving these goals. With strong team participation, community-oriented objectives, and an increasing fanbase, Vataniyaragi is optimistic that the 2026 Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s will be one of the best editions yet. This event not only aims to entertain but also strives to uplift the local community, bringing hope and resilience to its residents.
Leave a comment