The upcoming Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s tournament is set to feature an innovative competition format that will see top teams from around Fiji face off against emerging and developing teams from grassroots levels. This exciting initiative, part of the third leg of the Fiji Bitter 7s series, was announced by tournament director James Vunituraga during a launch event at Paradise Beverages Fiji Limited’s head offices in Suva.
The revamped format categorizes teams into two groups: the elite teams and the grassroots teams. Participants will be organized into four pools, with winning teams from each pool advancing to the elimination rounds. The structure promises that teams from both categories will have the opportunity to face each other in the later stages of the tournament.
Vunituraga emphasized the significance of this new arrangement, highlighting the opportunity it provides for grassroots teams to compete on a bigger stage. “It’s giving an opportunity for the grassroots level to play against each other and come out on top to meet the elite teams,” he noted. The tournament is not limited to just the cup competition, as it extends opportunities to pursue bowl and shield titles as well.
Alfaio Tekavei, a sponsorship and events specialist for Fiji Bitter, echoed Vunituraga’s sentiments, adding that the format shift promises to deliver an engaging spectacle, particularly benefiting grassroots teams.
The Mataso 7s is scheduled to take place from November 15-17 at Churchill Park in Lautoka, and the changes are expected to foster a sense of community and encourage talent development in rugby across the nation.
This initiative not only showcases the talent at various levels but also reinforces the importance of support for grassroots sports, fostering hope for future development in Fiji’s rugby landscape.
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