Devo Babas is the only new team to feature in the first leg of the Fiji Rugby Rugby Fun Flavour Super Sevens Series which will kick off tomorrow at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

16 teams will battle it out in the men’s competition while 12 teams contests for the women’s title in the three-day tournament.

The Babas comprises of young farmers from Navakasiga in Bua who share the same passion in rugby leading to the formation of their 7s team.

Navakasiga is also home to former Flying Fijians winger, Rupeni Caucau.

The team have been participating and exposing their raw talents at various local 7s competitions.

Club president and director for Axellerate Sports Josefa Matau accommodated the team in Nadi.

“Devo Babas was formed during the second wave lockdown in partnership with the Fiji Police Force Duavata Community Policing and the Unity Baptist Church,” Matau said.

“The team is made up of unemployed youth from Bua that came to Viti Levu before the lockdown in April last year.

“We are grateful to FRU and humbled to be included in the FRU Series Leg 1.

“As the 16th team, our aim is to retain our spot and play some good rugby.

“Apart from rugby, the team is involved in a lot of community work with the communities,” Matau added.

Matau explained that in partnering with the Law enforcers and community outreach, the boys had manage to engage with the Community Outreach and Community Policing.

The Devo Babas participated in the Fiji Bitter Wairiki sevens year stunned the crowd when they almost defeated Police Blue, 5-7, in their pool game.

Sponsorship

Meanwhile, CJ Patel Pacific Limited has signed up to sponsor the Super 7s Series for the next three years.

The tournament will now be known as Fun Flavour Super 7s Series.

Fiji Rugby Union chief excutive officer, John O’Connor applauded CJ patel for their continuous support during this tough time.

O’Connor highlighted that with the assistance of their sponsor, they will assist teams with $500 preparation grant, playing kits and rugby balls.

“With a lot of interest coming in from women’s clubs we have decided to have a three-day tournament in-order to facilitate all games in ground one,” O’Connor said.

“The FRU has been working closely with participating teams with regards to the ‘Terms of Participation’, the ‘Rules and Regulations and especially the COVID Safe Return to Play Protocols to ensure that the tournament is run smoothly as possible under the new normal,” O’Connor said.

The Fun Flavour Super 7s Series Men’s Champions will be awarded the Fun Flavour Super 7s Series trophy and the $20,000, the second-placed team will get $10,000 while the third-placed team receives $5000.

The Fun Flavour Super 7s Series Women’s Champion will be awarded the Fun Flavour Super 7s Series trophy and $10,000, the second-placed team will get $5,000 while the third-placed team receives $2000.

O’Connor has also thanked its broadcast partners FBC TV for covering the Fun Flavour Super 7s Series next weekend.

Fans can catch the delayed coverage of the games on Day 1 and 2 and enjoy the live coverage of the final on Saturday on FBC’s Sports Channel.

Feedback:  sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj