The Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s tournament is set to introduce an innovative competition format that will place elite teams from across the nation against emerging teams from grassroots levels during the third leg of the Fiji Bitter 7s series. This exciting development was announced by James Vunituraga, the tournament director, at the launch event held at Paradise Beverages Fiji Limited’s head offices in Suva earlier this week.
The tournament will categorize teams into two distinct groups: an elite category composed of top teams and a grassroots category featuring developing teams. These teams will be organized into four pools, and the winners from each pool will contend in elimination rounds, providing an opportunity for teams from both categories to progress to advanced stages of the competition.
Vunituraga emphasized that this new structure will significantly benefit grassroots teams by offering them a platform to compete for advancement and potentially face elite teams. He remarked, “It’s giving an opportunity for the grassroots level to play against each other and come out on top to meet the elite teams. It’s not only for the cup, but also for the bowl and the shield finals.”
Alfaio Tekavei, Fiji Bitter’s sponsorship and events specialist, echoed Vunituraga’s sentiments, noting that the revamped format promises to be an exciting showcase, especially for grassroots teams.
The Mataso 7s tournament is scheduled to take place from November 15-17 at Churchill Park in Lautoka, providing a stage for both seasoned and emerging talents to shine.
This approach not only democratizes competition but also fosters local talent, creating a bridge between established teams and those just starting their journey. With a focus on inclusion and growth, the tournament promises to inspire young athletes and elevate the sport of rugby in Fiji.
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