Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to support the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter seven series, reaffirming its dedication to grassroots rugby.
At the series launch, Paradise Beverages General Manager Mike Spencer highlighted the importance of sponsorships as a means for the company to give back to local communities. “We have been supporting rugby for 48 years, since our first tournament, the Fiji Bitter 7s, back in 1976. We are dedicated to furthering the growth of rugby in Fiji,” Spencer stated.
He expressed pride in contributing to the development of talent from grassroots levels to national teams. “Many players who have participated in Fiji Bitter-sponsored tournaments have gone on to represent Fiji in sevens, the Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and even the Fijian Drua franchise. We are thrilled to see these players achieve their potential,” he added.
The Fiji Bitter 7s series will feature 12 tournaments, comprising six legs with two tournaments each, and will run over six months, from October to March. Spencer wished all tournament organizers, teams, and fans success for this year’s series.
Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu noted that the Fiji Bitter seven series serves as a platform for identifying new talents. “Pathways are developed for players as they aspire to join the sevens or fifteens teams,” he explained. Nayacalevu expressed gratitude to Paradise Beverages for its ongoing support of Fijian rugby over the past 48 years, underscoring the positive impact their contributions have had on the communities involved in the series.
The 12 tournaments for the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter Sevens series include:
– 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)