The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s celebrates a half-century this weekend as the tournament’s 50th edition kicks off in Suva, renewing a long-standing tradition that has been a fertile proving ground for local sevens talent. The milestone event brings together community clubs and former greats, and arrives at a time when coaches and fans alike are eager to spot the next wave of players who could push for national selection and shine later in the season.
Local rugby followers will arrive at the pitches with fresh memories of recent finals. Last year’s champions, Devo Babas, edged out Dominion Brothers 10-5 after Dominion struck first through national rep Iliavi Masori before Aisake Peni and Rusiate Matai powered over for the Babas. In 2024 DXC Army Green took the Men’s Cup, beating DXC Barbarians 17-5 in a final played in slippery, wet conditions. Two years ago Police Blue were crowned champions with a 15-5 victory over Fiji Select 7s; Inia Tawalo had opened the scoring for the national side before Police’s former Fiji sevens playmaker Livai Ikanikoda and Peni Kurusiga each crossed twice, and Terio Tamani’s penalty conversion sealed the result.
Those results underline what the Marist 7s has long represented: a high-stakes, fast-paced showcase where performers can catch the eye of national selectors. Historically the tournament has been a springboard — fans still recall seasons when the national sevens squad was announced soon after Marist, with hopefuls’ names read out amid the post-tournament buzz and speculation about squads bound for Hong Kong and other international stops. With Lawrence Tikaram and his backroom team facing “a mammoth task” of selection, the eyes of the 7s community will be trained on Suva this weekend.
Beyond selection drama, the edition’s 50-year marker has stirred nostalgia. Letter-writers and former players have taken the moment to pay tribute to the legends who helped build Fiji’s sevens pedigree — names like Sireli Bobo, Waisale Serevi and Saiasi Fuli evoke an era when the sport’s flair and creativity became part of the nation’s identity. Organisers have been praised for involving those figures in ceremonial roles and ensuring the game’s past is honoured alongside the present.
The tournament also serves a wider social purpose. Marist 7s remains grassroots rugby at its best: a weekly meeting place for clubs, families and supporters, offering playing opportunities outside the main provincial structures and giving communities a weekend economic lift from fans and associated activity in Suva. For many young players the chance to perform on the Marist stage is as important as a contract — it is where confidence, exposure and community backing combine.
As the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s unfolds this weekend, the competition will be judged on more than trophies. It will be a measure of how well the tradition still identifies and prepares new talent, how it binds past and present in celebration, and how a community event can continue to shape the national game. Expect thrilling rugby, a few surprise names to emerge, and yet another chapter added to a tournament that has long been part of Fiji’s sevens story.
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