48th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s launched

The 48th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s was officially launched with a total of 89 teams that will be participating in the 3-day tournament.

The Marist 7s also marks the grand finale of the Fiji Bitter 7’s series.

During the launch Paradise Beverages General Manager, Mike Spencer says they are proud to to continue their enduring partnership with the Marist 7s, which is a cornerstone of the Fijian rugby tradition.

Spencer says for the 67 years they have been brewing Fiji Bitter in Fiji, 48 of those 67 years, they have been supporting and developing grassroots rugby in this country.

He says the tournament will introduce a revamped format featuring ranking and pool play, promising a fiercely competitive atmosphere that will highlight the depth of talent in Fijian rugby.

Fiji Bitter Marist 7's Chairman of the Organising Committee, Lawrence Tikaram acknowledges the support over the last 48 years and for that, it's a testament to the calibre they have seen on stage.

Tikaram says the 3-day tournament is all about exposing new talents and raw talents in the game of rugby in Fiji and believes the new 1-2-1 format will use one ground on the first day, on the second day they will use two grounds and the main ground on the last day of the tournament.

He says only 20 spots are available in the men's competition and 6 in the Women's category.

He adds that the new thing they will introduce this year is the U18s competition.

The first overseas team to register for the Marist 7s is the Royal Navy team from England.

Tikaram says they will be launching their prize money with their major sponsors later.

The 48th Fiji Bitter Marist 7's will be held from the 21st to the 23rd of March at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.