Paradise Beverages has invested over $300,000 into the Fiji Bitter seven series for the 2024-2025 season, highlighting their commitment to grassroots rugby. At the sponsorship launch, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of such sponsorships in giving back to local communities.
Spencer mentioned that their support for rugby dates back 48 years, beginning with the Fiji Bitter 7s tournament in 1976. He expressed pride in their contribution to the development of talented players from the grassroots level who have gone on to represent Fiji in various national teams, including the 7s, the Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise.
The Fiji Bitter 7s series will feature 12 tournaments over a six-month period, running from October to March, with six separate legs, each consisting of two tournaments. Spencer extended his best wishes to all tournament organizers, teams, and fans for the upcoming series.
Rugby Union CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu acknowledged the series as a valuable platform for identifying new talent, helping players pursue spots in the sevens and fifteens teams. He expressed gratitude to Paradise Beverages for their long-standing support of rugby in Fiji and highlighted the positive impact their contributions have had on local communities involved in the series.
The 12 Fiji Bitter Sevens series tournaments for 2024-2025 are as follows:
– Kadavu 7s – Namalata School Ground, Vunisea (October 3 – 5)
– Malake 7s – Narauyabe Sports Ground, Rakiraki (FSC) (October 10 – 12)
– Mataso 7s – Nadovu Ground, Lautoka (November 15 – 16)
– Yalovata 7s – Nasau Park, Levuka (November 21 -23)
– Yasawa 7s – Churchill Park, Lautoka (December 6 – 7)
– Wairiki 7s – Wairiki Parish Grounds, Taveuni (December 11 – 14)
– Labasa 7s – Subrail Park, Labasa. (January 9 – 11)
– Savusavu 7s – Ganilau Park, Savusavu (January 16 – 18)
– Nahehevia 7s – Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka (February 13 – 15)
– Tabadamu 7s – Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (February 20 – 22)
– Nawaka 7s – Prince Charles Park, Nadi (March 20 – 22)
– Marist 7s – HFC Stadium, Suva (March 27 – 29)