The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament is set to make a significant advancement in recognizing women’s rugby. This year, the women’s final will be scheduled for Friday, highlighting its importance rather than placing it in a less prominent slot on Saturday. Tournament Director Koli Korovulavula expressed this change as a crucial step toward giving women’s rugby the spotlight it deserves, noting that previous finals have often been seen as secondary.
In a gesture that underscores the growing recognition of women’s rugby, Korovulavula pointed to the notable accomplishments of Fiji’s national women’s team, the Fijiana 7s, which recently reached the finals of the Vancouver 7s tournament. To further emphasize equality, the winners of the women’s competition will receive the same recognition as their male counterparts during awards presentations, including introductions to special guests, akin to the ceremonies at high-profile global events.
Scheduled from March 20-22, 2025, at the HFC Bank Stadium, this year’s tournament will feature an impressive lineup of 93 teams, comprising 48 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams, with additional youth divisions. This reflects a growing commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of women’s rugby, resonating with recent efforts to celebrate traditional rugby culture in Fiji.
For fans looking to experience the action, a pay-per-view service through Viti+ will be available for $69FJD for the three-day event, alongside grandstand package tickets priced at $22. The tournament aims to not only elevate competition levels among participants but also to strengthen community ties through sport.
As the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s approaches, it serves as a powerful example of how rugby can cultivate community spirit and foster talent development, particularly for women and youth. The enhanced focus on women’s rugby signals a hopeful shift toward greater equality in sports and promises an exciting future for the game in Fiji.
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