Paradise Beverages has announced an investment of over $300,000 for the upcoming 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter seven series to support grassroots rugby in Fiji. During the series launch, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of sponsorships in enabling the organization to give back to local communities.
Spencer highlighted their long history with rugby, stating, “We have been supporting rugby for 48 years, starting with the first Fiji Bitter 7s tournament in 1976. We are committed to fostering the growth of rugby in Fiji.” He expressed pride in the role Paradise Beverages has played in the development of young talent, which has seen players from their tournaments rise to represent Fiji in various national teams, including the 7s team, the Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise.
The Fiji Bitter 7s series will consist of 12 tournaments spread across six months, from October to March, with each leg featuring two tournaments. Spencer wished the best for all tournament organizers, teams, and fans participating in this year’s series.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Rugby Union, remarked on the significance of the Fiji Bitter seven series as a platform for discovering new talent. He thanked Paradise Beverages for their continued support over the years, noting the positive impact of their contributions on the local communities involved in the series.
The schedule for the 12 Fiji Bitter Sevens series 2024-2025 tournaments is 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)