Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to support the grassroots rugby scene in Fiji through the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter Seven Series. During the launch event, General Manager Mike Spencer emphasized the importance of sponsorship in contributing to local communities.
“Our involvement in rugby spans 48 years, starting with the Fiji Bitter Sevens tournament in 1976, and we are dedicated to fostering the sport’s growth in Fiji,” Spencer stated. He expressed pride in helping nurture talent from grassroots levels to national representation.
“We have witnessed numerous players from the Fiji Bitter sponsored events move on to represent Fiji in rugby sevens, the Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise,” he added. “It’s rewarding to observe these individuals realizing their potential.”
The Fiji Bitter Sevens series will feature 12 tournaments. Spencer explained, “The series consists of six legs, each comprising two tournaments, running over a six-month period from October to March.” He extended best wishes to the tournament organizers, teams, and fans for the upcoming series.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, CEO of Fiji Rugby Union, noted that the Fiji Bitter Sevens series serves as a platform for discovering new talent. “It creates pathways for players aspiring to be part of the sevens or fifteens teams,” he said, expressing gratitude for Paradise Beverages’ long-standing support of Fijian rugby.
Nayacalevu highlighted that Paradise Beverages’ contributions have positively impacted the communities involved in the tournaments.
The schedule for the 12 tournaments in the Fiji Bitter Sevens series 2024-2025 includes:
– 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)