The 49th Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament is set to take place from March 20-22 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with a total prize pool of $48,800 announced by tournament chairman Lawrence Tikaram during a recent sponsorship signing event with Paradise Beverages. This longstanding partnership highlights the importance of rugby in Fiji’s culture and community spirit.
The breakdown of prize money includes $27,750 for men’s competition, with the winning team earning $10,000. The women’s champion will receive $4,500, while the Under-18-U21 winner will take home $5,500. Additionally, champions of the U18 boys and girls divisions will each win $1,500. To honor exceptional talents, the best players in the Main Cup will receive $400, while U18 and U18-21 best players will each earn $350.
Tikaram emphasized the significance of the Fiji Bitter in celebrating rugby, stating that the tournament fosters grassroots rugby development and offers a platform for emerging talents to shine. He announced collaborations with various stakeholders to address social issues such as HIV awareness, drug abuse, and road safety.
Mike Spencer, general manager of Paradise Beverages, expressed pride in supporting the Marist Sevens, reflecting their commitment to rugby growth and community initiatives. The tournament has historically scouted talent that advanced to represent Fiji on a national level.
As the tournament approaches, team registrations are filling up quickly, with spots being reserved from as far as Lakeba in Lau. Tikaram noted that the Under-18 boys category is fully booked, while only four spots remain for U18 girls. He urged teams to pay full registration fees before the March 7 deadline, as partial payments do not guarantee a place in the tournament. The event will include special arrangements for the women’s final to foster greater support and participation.
This year’s tournament is not just a competitive event; it is a celebration of rugby’s impact on Fijian society and highlights the importance of community engagement in promoting health and safety awareness.
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