Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to support the grassroots rugby initiative through the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter seven series. During the launch event, Mike Spencer, the General Manager of Paradise Beverages, emphasized the significance of sponsorships in allowing the organization to give back to local communities.
Spencer noted that the company has been involved in rugby for 48 years, with its inaugural tournament being the prestigious Fiji Bitter 7s in 1976. He expressed ongoing dedication to fostering the growth of rugby in Fiji.
He highlighted the success of numerous players who started their journey in Fiji Bitter-sponsored tournaments and have advanced to represent Fiji in various national teams, including the Sevens, Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise.
This year’s Fiji Bitter 7s series will consist of 12 tournaments organized into six legs, each featuring two tournaments. The series spans six months, from October to March. Spencer extended his best wishes to all tournament organizers, teams, and fans for the upcoming series.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, CEO of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), stated that the Fiji Bitter seven series provides an important avenue for discovering new talents. He acknowledged the essential role Paradise Beverages has played in supporting rugby in Fiji for nearly five decades, noting the positive impact on the communities involved in the tournaments.
The schedule for the 12 Fiji Bitter Sevens series 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)