Paradise Beverages has invested over $300,000 in the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter Sevens series, demonstrating their commitment to grassroots rugby. During the launch event, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of sponsorships for giving back to local communities.
Spencer noted that Paradise Beverages has been involved in rugby for 48 years, beginning with the first Fiji Bitter 7s tournament in 1976. Their ongoing support aims to foster the growth of rugby throughout Fiji. He expressed pride in the company’s role in developing raw talent, which has led many players from Fiji Bitter-sponsored tournaments to represent national teams, including the Sevens, Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise.
The Fiji Bitter 7s series will feature 12 tournaments and will take place over six months, from October to March, with six legs consisting of two tournaments each. Spencer extended his best wishes to tournament organizers, teams, and fans for this year’s series.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, the chief executive officer of the Fiji Rugby Union, highlighted that the Fiji Bitter Sevens series serves as a platform for identifying new talent, allowing players to pursue their aspirations of joining the national teams. He thanked Paradise Beverages for their long-standing support of rugby in Fiji, noting its positive impact on local communities involved in the series.
The 12 tournaments for the Fiji Bitter Sevens series 2024-2025 are scheduled as follows:
– Kadavu 7s – Namalata School Ground, Vunisea (October 3 – 5)
– Malake 7s – Narauyabe Sports Ground, Rakiraki (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)