Expect a bigger and better Fiji Bitter Service Labasa Sevens tournament next year.

This was after Paradise Beverages, promised to increase its tournament sponsorship to $15,000.

The sponsorship package this year was $10,000 and next year there would be a $5,000 increase.

Company general manager sales & corporate affairs, Joe Rodan (Snr), described the three-day tournament as a splendid display of entertaining rugby.

He was impressed by the performances of the local teams from Vanua Levu.

“There is no shortage of talents in Vanua Levu and this is the reason why we Fiji Bitter and Paradise Beverages have come out to sponsor the first Fiji Bitter Labasa Sevens,” the Pacific’s former 400metres champion runner said.

Rodan ranked the competition highly and believed the intensity was similar to the Fiji Bitter Nawaka and Marist Sevens tournaments. He felt privileged to be affiliated in bringing competitive sports to Vanua Levu and its people.

The North has produced top sevens players like two-time Olympic Games gold medallist Jerry Tuwai, Semi Talawadua, Dominiko Manaseitava, Aliposo Waqaliti, Jope Tuikabe, Timoci Wainiqolo, Rupeni Caucau, Seru Rabeni, Orisi Sareki, William Ryder, Savenaca Rawaca, Iosefo Masi, Sireli Maqala, Kameli Soejima (who plays for Japan) and the list goes on.

Rodan said it was a tough task to secure sponsors for any high-profile sevens events, and it was through the faith and trust in the organising committee that mattered most.

“We will be back next year for a bigger Labasa Sevens as we have trust and faith in the Labasa Sevens Service club organising committee,” he indicated.

“This would boost the player pool of sevens rugby in the North and teams getting more exposure to competing with the best sevens teams around the country.”

“Going forward, I am pretty confident that Vanua Levu will see an increase in sevens rugby players representing the national 15s or 7s teams,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, it was a fitting end to the first-ever Labasa sevens tournament as DXC Raiwasa Taveuni, ousted Police Blue 17-14 in a gruelling final.

Rodan conveyed his congratulations to the Raiwasa Taveuni side and believed they had made their fans and management proud after losing out in the Cup rounds at the Savusavu Sevens, last week.

They walked away $7000 richer and will hopefully be around to defend their title at Subrail Park in Labasa, next year.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj