The Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s tournament is set to introduce an innovative competition format that aims to blend the skills of established teams with the enthusiasm of emerging ones. This exciting change will take place during the third leg of the Fiji Bitter 7s series.
During the tournament’s recent launch at Paradise Beverages Fiji Limited’s headquarters in Suva, tournament director James Vunituraga unveiled the new structure. Teams will be categorized into two groups: elite teams and grassroots teams. This structure allows for a more diverse competition, giving new and developing teams the opportunity to face off against the top players in the country.
The teams will be split into four pools, with the winners progressing to elimination rounds. This format not only encourages competition among the established teams but also provides grassroots teams with a platform to showcase their talents at higher levels of competition. Vunituraga emphasized that this arrangement serves as an important opportunity for grassroots teams, allowing them to compete for various titles, including the cup, bowl, and shield finals.
Alfaio Tekavei, a sponsorship and events specialist for Fiji Bitter, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the new setup would create an engaging experience for spectators while directly benefiting lesser-known teams.
The Mataso 7s tournament will be held from November 15-17 at Churchill Park in Lautoka, promising an event filled with potential surprise performances from emerging teams. This new format not only enhances competition but also fosters growth and development in Fiji’s rugby community, showing a commitment to nurturing future talents.
Overall, the tournament is a great opportunity for the sport to flourish, as it embraces inclusivity and ensures all teams, regardless of experience level, can shine on the field. The anticipation for the event is building, and it’s expected to be a remarkable showcase of talent and sportsmanship.
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