Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to the Fiji Bitter seven series for the 2024-2025 season, reinforcing their support for grassroots rugby. At the launch event, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized that sponsorships are crucial for the company to contribute back to local communities.
Spencer highlighted the company’s long-standing dedication to rugby, stating, “We have been supporting rugby for 48 years, starting with the Fiji Bitter 7s in 1976. We are committed to the growth of rugby in Fiji.” He expressed pride in the role Paradise Beverages has played in nurturing talent from grassroots levels to national representation.
“We have watched many players, who started in Fiji Bitter sponsored tournaments, go on to represent Fiji in 7s, the Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and even the Fijian Drua franchise,” Spencer noted. “It’s rewarding to see these players achieve their full potential.”
The Fiji Bitter 7s series will feature 12 tournaments, comprising six legs with two tournaments each, scheduled from October to March. Spencer extended best wishes to all organizers, teams, and fans participating in this year’s series.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, CEO of Fiji Rugby Union, remarked that the Fiji Bitter seven series serves as a vital platform for identifying new talent and creating pathways for players aspiring to join sevens or fifteens teams. He also expressed gratitude towards Paradise Beverages for their longstanding support over the past 48 years, noting the positive impact their contributions have had on local communities involved in the series.
The upcoming 12 tournaments in the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter Sevens series include:
1. Kadavu 7s – Namalata School Ground, Vunisea (October 3 – 5)
2. Malake 7s – Narauyabe Sports Ground, Rakiraki (FSC) (October 10 – 12)
3. Mataso 7s – Nadovu Ground, Lautoka (November 15 – 16)
4. Yalovata 7s – Nasau Park, Levuka (November 21 -23)
5. Yasawa 7s – Churchill Park, Lautoka (December 6 – 7)
6. Wairiki 7s – Wairiki Parish Grounds, Taveuni (December 11 – 14)
7. Labasa 7s – Subrail Park, Labasa (January 9 – 11)
8. Savusavu 7s – Ganilau Park, Savusavu (January 16 – 18)
9. Nahehevia 7s – Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka (February 13 – 15)
10. Tabadamu 7s – Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (February 20 – 22)
11. Nawaka 7s – Prince Charles Park, Nadi (March 20 – 22)
12. Marist 7s – HFC Stadium, Suva (March 27 – 29)