Over 300 rugby players from Viti Levu are going to be at the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s tournament in Taveuni next weekend.

During the official launch at the Paradise Beverages headquarters in Suva yesterday, tournament chief organiser Iowane Gade said the three-day tournament which is from December 3-5 is hosting all the top rugby 7s clubs in the country.

“For the first time Tabadamu, Police Blue and FDS Barbarian Brothers are coming to the island to play,” he said.

“We urge all rugby, netball and volleyball followers to come to Taveuni and watch the games. Also they can enjoy the weather and have a taste of what our hospitality is like.”

Paradise Beverages national sales manager Pauline Vuki said they have been supporting grassroot rugby for many years.

“During the years many young talents have come out of the islands, villages and communities from all over the country to show their skills in the sport,” she said.

“Today, many of these young players have moved on to either represent our country or taken on contracts to play for international clubs and unions.”

Vuki said since the COVID-19 pandemic protocols put in place by Government, all tournaments that Paradise Beverages support must comply with the requirements.

In the netball competition, Gade confirmed that the Suva Netball League champions Tagimoucia are also going to participate.

Meanwhile, the Marist Rugby Club in Suva donated match balls, bibs and wi-fi to the organisers.

MRC representative Lenaitasi Vakatora said they are going to send six to eight volunteers to assist the tournament organisers and also share their knowledge.

“Our support is at an estimated value of $3500 as we are proud to be associated with the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s tournament,” he added.

Men’s 7s pools

Pool 1: First Light, FDS Barbarians, Navonu Brothers, Dominion Brothers, Uprising: Pool 2: Raiwasa Taveuni, Veilomani Combo, Army Green, Yalovata Qaqa, Gau Kacau Knight: Pool 3: Lavena Redz, Lavena Greem, Welagi Redz, Vuna Green, Masiniyavu Qeleni Blues, Pool 4: Naselesele, Gaunavou, Navakawau Two, Laucala Bluez, Korovatu, Pool 5: St Joseph, Bayside Blacks, Blue Diamnod, Tabadamu, Somosomo White, Pool 6: Buca Bay One, Raiwasa Resort Taveuni, Delaiucuimua (Nacula), Wailevu, Wainidruki, Pool 7: Somosomo Black, Police Blue, Holy Cross, Ucunivatu, Navakawau One, Pool 8: Lavena Green, Black Chimney, Navesibasaga (Kanakana), Red River Badamu, Naweni.

Edited by Osea Bola

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