Fiji Bitter Marist 7s organisers have announced a last‑minute sponsorship boost as they prepare to kick off the island nation’s biggest grassroots rugby tournament. At a launch held at the Paradise Beverages Fiji head office in Walu Bay, Suva, officials confirmed a partnership with Official Apparel Fiji and revealed a FJ$33,000 investment to outfit TISA Legends, event directors and tournament sponsors — and to produce commemorative plaques recognising contributors and standout performances.
The funding and apparel provision was unveiled by Anand Kumar, managing director of Star Hospitality Company (Pte) Ltd, who said the package would cover official wear for the tournament’s key figures as well as plaques to mark achievements and service. “We have invested a total of $33,000 into the apparel and commemorative plaques to recognise contributions and achievements within the tournament,” Kumar told those gathered at the announcement. He framed the move as part of a broader commitment to grassroots rugby development.
Kumar highlighted existing projects the company supports as evidence of its focus on nurturing young talent. He pointed to the Mana Academy team as an example of a village‑level side getting structured backing and pathways, with prospects to progress to play‑offs in Brisbane, and also noted support for Kaji rugby, which he said plays “a vital role in nurturing young talent at the foundational level of the sport.” He added the apparel deal was intended to deepen the link between sponsors, players and fans: “This is more than just an apparel partnership; it’s about aligning with the passion, energy and spirit of rugby that brings our communities together.”
Marist Rugby Club president Lawrence Tikaram welcomed the sponsorship, saying Official Apparel Fiji’s involvement would lift the presentation and profile of what he described as the season’s premier grassroots rugby spectacle. Tikaram said the timing of the announcement — on the eve of competition — was particularly welcome as teams make final preparations at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where the Marist 7s begins tomorrow and runs through to Saturday.
The apparel will be worn by TISA Legends, event directors and sponsors during the tournament, organisers said, signaling an effort to professionalise the look and ceremonial aspects of the event without altering its community focus. The commemorative plaques will be used to formally acknowledge volunteer contributions, long‑serving officials and standout teams or players across the competition’s fixtures.
Organisers and sponsors framed the move as more than cosmetic: private sector partnerships like this one help underwrite logistics, prize structures and development initiatives that keep tournaments such as the Marist 7s accessible to village and provincial teams. With the event set to draw sides and supporters from across the country to Suva this week, the new apparel arrangement aims to present a unified image while reinforcing the tournament’s role as a talent incubator for higher‑level competitions.
The Marist 7s has traditionally been a springboard for emerging players and a focal point of the local rugby calendar. With Official Apparel Fiji now on board and Star Hospitality’s FJ$33,000 contribution confirmed, organisers expect the weekend’s competition to proceed with enhanced recognition for contributors and a sharper public profile for the teams, officials and sponsors involved.
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