The Fiji Bitter Sevens Series will kick off its new season in Kadavu this October, creating an exciting platform for grassroots players across the islands. The Kadavu Rugby Union is set to host the first tournament, marking a shift from the previous Namalata tournament to the new Tiliva 7s tournament.
Under the unified Fiji Bitter Series, this tournament will now be known as the Kadavu 7s, scheduled to take place from October 3-5. The matches will continue to be held at the Namalata Central School grounds, but under the Tiliva 7s name.
“Tiliva 7s has been held independently for several years, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this marks the first time they are being sponsored by Fiji Bitter. We are excited to welcome them into the series,” noted Alfaio Tekavei, sponsorship and events specialist at Paradise Beverages. He emphasized that since the Kadavu Rugby Union manages Tiliva, incorporating it into the series is beneficial for rugby in Kadavu as a whole.
The official launch of the series took place on Tuesday at Paradise Beverages in Walu Bay. “This year, we will host a total of 12 tournaments within the Fiji Bitter 7s Series, divided into six legs, each featuring two tournaments, spanning from October to March. Our investment exceeds $300,000 this year,” stated general manager Mike Spencer.
The 12 tournaments will lead up to the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s scheduled for March next year at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Tournament schedule: Kadavu 7s: October 3-5, Malake 7s: October 10-12, Mataso 7s: November 15-16, Yalovata 7s: November 21-23, Yasawa 7s: December 6-7, Wairiki 7s: December 11-14, Labasa 7s: January 9-11, Savusavu 7s: January 16-18, Nahehevia 7s: February 13-15, Tabadamu 7s: February 20-22, Nawaka 7s: March 20-22, Marist 7s: March 27-29.