The 39th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s moved into its elimination phase on Saturday as 32 men’s teams fought for places in the cup competition at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Sixteen knockout matches are being staged across the park’s three grounds as the tournament pares the field toward the quarter-finals and beyond.
Under the tournament format, winners in today’s men’s eliminations progress in the cup draw while losing sides drop into the shield elimination, keeping them in competition but out of contention for the main trophy. The under-21 and women’s divisions remain in pool play for now, with the final round of their pool matches scheduled for tomorrow; under-21 teams will follow those matches with their eliminations, while the women will proceed straight into the quarter-finals.
The men’s elimination line-up features an array of community and club sides across the Western Division. Match-ups on the cards include Devo Babs versus Army Red, Ravuka Sharks against Valeni Boys, SR Amica v Buduka, Village Boys v Draulu, Dominion Brothers v Raviravi Warriors, Seniivi Rugby v RKS OB, Police v Pegasus and Solevu Kings v Bula Brothers. The remaining fixtures are St Gabriel v Loloma Heights, Sabeto v Wardens, Naulana v Namara, Nawaka v Green, Flame Tree Waimanu v Vacalea, Fresh’et Navy v Eagle Warriors, Yaro Chiefs v TMC Warriors and Navala v Sigatoka Young Boys.
Devo Babs arrive in Nadi with recent strong form, having claimed the Viti Roofing Tabadamu 7s title earlier this year, making their elimination clash with Army Red one to watch as they seek to carry momentum into Nawaka. Other ties to monitor include Navala’s meeting with Sigatoka Young Boys and the traditional derby flavours inherent in several local match-ups.
Prince Charles Park will host the remainder of the knockout rounds for the men's grade across its multiple grounds, with organisers using the venue’s close proximity to Nadi town to draw weekend crowds. The shield pathway for losing teams ensures extended playing time for sides knocked out of cup contention, offering consolation silverware and development opportunities for players.
Play resumes Sunday with the final pool fixtures for both the under-21 and women’s competitions and the under-21 eliminations that follow. The women’s teams, having settled their pools, will begin straight at the quarter-final stage as the Nawaka 7s builds toward its semifinals and finals later in the weekend.
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