Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to support grassroots rugby through the 2024–2025 Fiji Bitter seven series. During the sponsorship launch, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of these sponsorships in benefiting local communities.
Spencer mentioned that the company has been involved in rugby for 48 years, beginning with the iconic Fiji Bitter 7s tournament in 1976, and reiterated their commitment to fostering rugby’s growth in Fiji. He expressed pride in their contribution to nurturing raw talents, pointing out that many players from Fiji Bitter-sponsored tournaments have represented Fiji in various national teams, including the 7s team, Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise.
The Fiji Bitter 7s series will consist of 12 tournaments, structured into six legs, with each leg featuring two tournaments. The series will take place over six months, from October to March.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, CEO of Fiji Rugby Union, stated that the Fiji Bitter seven series serves as a vital platform for discovering new talents and creating pathways for players aspiring to join the sevens or fifteens teams. He acknowledged and thanked Paradise Beverages for their ongoing support of rugby in Fiji for nearly five decades, highlighting the positive impact of their contributions on local communities involved in the series.
The 12 tournaments in the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter Sevens series are 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)