The Fiji Bitter Sevens Series is set to move south this season, with Kadavu slated to host its events in October. This series aims to provide an exciting competition platform for grassroots players across the islands.
The Kadavu Rugby Union will organize the opening tournament, marking a shift from the previous Namalata tournament to the newly branded Tiliva 7s. Under the Fiji Bitter Series umbrella, this tournament will be known as the Kadavu 7s and will take place from October 3-5. The matches will be held at the Namalata Central School ground, continuing under the Tiliva 7s name.
“Tiliva 7s has been an independent event for several years, even prior to COVID-19, and this will be its first sponsorship by Fiji Bitter. We are pleased to include them in the series,” stated Alfaio Tekavei, sponsorship and events specialist at Paradise Beverages.
He added, “Tiliva is managed by the Kadavu Rugby Union, so incorporating it into the series seemed beneficial for Kadavu rugby as a whole.”
The series was officially launched on Tuesday at Paradise Beverages in Walu Bay. General manager Mike Spencer announced, “This year, we will host 12 tournaments in the Fiji Bitter Sevens Series, comprising six legs with two tournaments each, spread over six months from October to March. Our investment for this year is over $300,000.”
The twelve tournaments will culminate with the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s in March next year at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Scheduled tournament dates include:
– 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