Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to support the grassroots rugby community through the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter seven series. During the launch event, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of sponsorships in aiding local communities, outlining the company’s long-standing support for rugby that dates back 48 years to the inception of the Fiji Bitter 7s tournament in 1976.
Spencer noted that they take pride in playing a role in the development of young rugby talent who come through grassroots programs to represent Fiji at various levels, including international sevens and fifteens teams, as well as the Fijian Drua franchise. He announced that the upcoming series will consist of 12 tournaments, organized into six legs, with each leg featuring two tournaments. The series will take place from October to March over a six-month period.
In support of the initiative, Fiji Rugby Union CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu remarked that the Fiji Bitter seven series serves as a vital platform for discovering emerging talents, helping to pave pathways for players aspiring to join national teams. He expressed gratitude to Paradise Beverages for their unwavering support over the past nearly five decades, noting that their contributions positively impact the communities involved in the series.
The 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)