Expect to watch new teams play in the 44th Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament set for September 24-26 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

This was confirmed by Marist Rugby Club president Lawrence Tikaram during the cheque presentation by Pacific Energy at their Vanua House office, Suva yesterday.

Pacific Energy handed over over $7500 as the first installment payment of their $10,000 sponsorship

Speaking to SUNsports, Tikaram said the new teams will be exciting to watch.

“We have 16 new teams that have made the cut in the final 48 teams,” he said.

“Teams like Nabua and Yamacia are making a comeback.

“The Uprising side consists of Fijian 7s players who have not been able to play for a club. They are going to be known as the Mizuno Babaas.”

Tikaram said competition is going to be a competitive one as the new teams are unknown and will keep everyone guessing.

“The tournament will be exciting and a tough one as well because there will be a mixture of old and new teams.

“These unknown teams are capable of creating upsets.”

Tikaram has urged all team officials to send them their details to help the organisers verify their team lists.

“Teams need to contact us because we will have to get their details for registration and team slip. Thisis quite important for running an event like this.

“This is the new format and protocol that we have to embrace when we stage the event at the ANZ National Stadium,” he said.

“ We will have to follow all COVID-19 restrictions rules during the tournament.

“Therefore we need  all teams support in trying to make things easier for everyone.

“There’s limited capacity, limited tickets and there is also a very new level of embracing people when you come to the stadium to ensure that we remain COVID-19 contained.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj