Many teams participating in this season’s Fiji Bitter 7s series are grappling with financial difficulties that impede their ability to compete in tournaments held nationwide. These teams predominantly come from rural areas, making it essential for them to seek various fundraising opportunities to ensure their players can experience top-tier 7s tournaments in both maritime and urban locations.

James Vunituraga, the organizer of the 2024 Kadavu 7s Tournament, highlights that the passion for 7s rugby drives these teams to raise funds, enabling their players to participate in this competitive event. Encouragingly, a new trend has begun to emerge this season, with teams from Kadavu and Naitasiri showing remarkable commitment by competing in all six of the latest tournaments.

Despite the financial obstacles, the dedication and love for the game displayed by these rural teams serve as an inspiring testament to their resilience and teamwork. By overcoming these challenges, they not only foster community spirit but also enhance the overall competitiveness and excitement of the Fiji Bitter 7s series. It’s a reminder that passion and perseverance can yield positive outcomes, regardless of the circumstances.

This ongoing saga of rural 7s teams highlights the importance of support and resources in sports, encouraging fans and organizations to consider how they can contribute to the growth of rugby in underserved areas.