Ratu Filise Rugby Club is celebrating a half-century at the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s as this landmark 50th edition gets under way at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The Nadroga side, one of only a handful of clubs still competing after five decades of the tournament’s history, marked the milestone as players and past greats gathered to celebrate the club’s long association with Fiji’s premier grassroots sevens event.
The club’s connection to the Marist 7s runs deep. Just two years after the tournament began in the mid-1970s, Ratu Filise etched its name on the trophy with a 1978 title powered by Nadroga stalwarts Josevata Nagasaukula, Etika Tovilevu and Aminiasi Naituyaga. That legacy was foregrounded this week as former players joined current squad members during pre-tournament preparations and festivities, reinforcing a sense of continuity between past and present.
Strength and conditioning coach Selo Sanawa framed the 50-year mark not just as a celebration of history but as a turning point focused on the future. Sanawa said the club’s attention is fixed on its under-21 squad — “the next custodians of the Ratu Filise legacy” — and set clear expectations for the youngsters. “My expectation is simple for the boys: to play with all their heart, stay disciplined, and represent the jersey with pride,” he said, underlining the club’s emphasis on character as well as skill.
This year’s Marist 7s is already notable beyond Ratu Filise’s anniversary. Organisers have expanded the tournament to include teams across multiple age groups and genders, with the three-day event (March 26–28) featuring dozens of teams across men’s, women’s, under-21 and under-18 draws. The 50th edition’s program includes special touches to honour the tournament’s history — a legends match fronted by sevens icons and enhanced broadcast coverage aimed at shining a brighter light on grassroots rugby.
The wider tournament has also introduced competitive tweaks to promote attacking, clean rugby, and organisers will recognise contributors to the Marist 7s over the last five decades. For Ratu Filise, the golden jubilee has been an occasion to bring former players back into the fold; Sanawa paid tribute to their involvement in training and mentoring this year’s squads, saying their support has helped instil pride and continuity in younger players.
As matches begin at HFC Bank Stadium, Ratu Filise officials are urging supporters to turn out in force for the club’s anniversary campaign. The team hopes a strong home presence will buoy its under-21 core as they carry the club’s name into the next 50 years of the Marist sevens tradition. With the broader tournament spotlight on the sport’s grassroots and a string of celebrations scheduled, Ratu Filise’s milestone is one of several storylines giving this edition added significance.
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