TISA Insurance has stepped in as a major partner for the Fiji Legends match at the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens, sponsoring the official jerseys and merchandise for both sides, organisers confirmed yesterday. The announcement comes as the exhibition fixture — billed as a tribute to the players who helped build Fiji’s sevens reputation — expands its roster and is set to be staged immediately before the tournament’s main cup final on Saturday, 28 March 2025.
At the jersey presentation, legendary playmaker Waisale Serevi underlined the match’s purpose as a formal thank-you to the generation that elevated Fiji sevens onto the world stage. “This is the best way, to say again to all these legends, thank you,” Serevi said, pointing to the Hong Kong 7s and the rise of the international circuit as milestones driven by players of the past two decades. He linked that legacy to the creation of the HSBC SVNS Series and sevens’ eventual inclusion in the Olympics.
TISA Insurance CEO David Chan described the sponsorship as an opportunity to celebrate legacy and inspire younger players. “That is why on this 50th anniversary year of this prestigious tournament, we are especially grateful and proud to support the Fiji Legends match,” Chan said at the presentation. “To see icons like Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai and many more legends take the field alongside other greats is about legacy. It’s about showing the next generation what excellence looks like and what it means to give back.”
Organisers also revealed the legends line-up has been increased from an initial 30 players to 40, reflecting strong interest from retired stars eager to take part in the showcase. Confirmed names already include Serevi, William Ryder, former Wallaby Sisa Koyamaibole, current sevens stalwart Jerry Tuwai and Fiji men’s sevens coach Osea Kolinisau. Organisers said additional retired internationals will be added to the fixture as preparations continue.
The exhibition match will be played as a curtain-raiser to the Marist Sevens cup final on Saturday, 28 March, giving fans a full day of sevens action and a chance to see multiple generations of Fijian talent on the same pitch. Tournament organisers have signalled that the legends match is not a one-off: it will become a regular feature of the annual Marist 7s going forward, part of the 50th anniversary celebrations and a planned legacy element for future events.
The sponsorship marks a high-profile private-sector backing for the tournament’s commemorative events and reinforces the Marist Sevens’ role in Fiji’s rugby calendar. By formalising a legends fixture and securing kit and merchandise support from TISA, organisers aim to both honour past contributors and create a sustainable programme that links rugby heritage with present-day competition.
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