Paradise Beverages has invested over $300,000 in the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter seven series, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots rugby. At the launch event, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of sponsorships in giving back to local communities, highlighting the company’s 48-year history of supporting rugby since the inaugural Fiji Bitter 7s in 1976.
Spencer expressed pride in the role Paradise Beverages has played in nurturing raw talent from grassroots rugby to national teams. He noted that many players who participated in tournaments sponsored by Fiji Bitter have gone on to represent Fiji in various international rugby teams, including the sevens, Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise.
The Fiji Bitter 7s series will encompass 12 tournaments over a six-month period, from October to March, with six legs, each featuring two tournaments. Spencer extended his best wishes to all tournament organizers, teams, and fans for this year’s series.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, CEO of Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), praised the Fiji Bitter seven series as a crucial platform for identifying new talents. He acknowledged Paradise Beverages for their ongoing support of rugby in Fiji over the past 48 years, noting the positive impact their contributions have had on local communities involved in the series.
The 12 tournaments in the Fiji Bitter Sevens series for 2024-2025 are 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)