Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to support the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter Sevens series, reaffirming their dedication to grassroots rugby. During the launch event, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of sponsorships in enabling the company to give back to local communities.
Spencer highlighted the company’s long-standing support for rugby, which dates back 48 years to the first Fiji Bitter 7s tournament in 1976, expressing their ongoing commitment to fostering the sport’s growth in Fiji. He stated that Paradise Beverages takes pride in playing a part in the development of emerging talents from local rugby into national teams.
Many rugby players who have participated in Fiji Bitter-sponsored tournaments have gone on to represent Fiji in various formats, including sevens, the Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise. Spencer expressed satisfaction at witnessing these athletes realize their full potential.
The Fiji Bitter Sevens series will consist of 12 tournaments, divided into six legs with two tournaments each, taking place over the span of six months from October to March. Spencer extended his best wishes to tournament organizers, teams, and fans for this year’s events.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, CEO of Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), noted the series as a valuable platform for identifying new talent and creating pathways for players aiming to join sevens or fifteens teams. He expressed gratitude toward Paradise Beverages for their continued support over 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 (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)