Paradise Beverages have injected more than $300,000 for the 2024 –2025 Fiji Bitter seven series in their support for grassroots rugby.

Speaking at the launch, Paradise Beverages General manager Mike Spencer said sponsorships have been a vital component for the organisation to give back to the local communities.

“We have been supporting rugby for 48 years, our first tournament is the renowned Fiji Bitter 7s back in 1976. We remain committed to supporting the growth of rugby in Fiji,” Spencer said.

Spencer said they were proud to have contributed a small role in the development of raw talents from grassroots rugby to national teams.

“We have seen many rugby players who have played in the Fiji Bitter sponsored tournaments that have represented Fiji in 7s, the Flying Fijians, Fijiana and even the Fijian Drua franchise,” he said.

“We are proud to see these players reach their full potential.”

Spencer said the Fiji Bitter 7s series will include 12 tournaments.

“There will be six legs, each comprising two tournaments, and the series will be played over six-months, from October to March,” he said.

“I’d like to wish all the tournament organisers, teams, and fans, the very best for this year’s Fiji Bitter 7s series.”

Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) chief executive officer Rovereto Nayacalevu said the Fiji Bitter seven series is a platform for the union to identify new talents.

“Pathways are developed for players as they aspire to become members of the sevens or fifteens teams,” he said.

“We acknowledge and thank Paradise Beverages for continuing to support rugby in Fiji as they have done the last 48 years.”

Nayacalevu said Paradise Beverages’ contribution to the local sevens tournament has impacted the respective communities that are part of the series.

The 12 Fiji Bitter Sevens series 2024-29295 tournaments include;

• Kadavu 7s – Namalata School Ground, Vunisea (October 3 – 5)
• Malake 7s – Narauyabe Sports Ground, Rakiraki (FSC) (October 10 – 12)
• Mataso 7s – Nadovu Ground, Lautoka (November 15 – 16)
• Yalovata 7s – Nasau Park, Levuka (November 21 -23)
• Yasawa 7s – Churchill Park, Lautoka (December 6 – 7)
• Wairiki 7s – Wairiki Parish Grounds, Taveuni (December 11 – 14)
• Labasa 7s – Subrail Park, Labasa. (January 9 – 11)
• Savusavu 7s – Ganilau Park, Savusavu (January 16 – 18)
• Nahehevia 7s Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka (February 13 – 15)
• Tabadamu 7s Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (February 20 – 22)
• Nawaka 7s Prince Charles Park, Nadi (March 20 – 22)
• Marist 7s HFC Stadium, Suva (March 27 – 29)

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