Fiji Bitter Marist 7s celebrates 50 years of grassroots rugby

The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s marked its 50th anniversary as organisers, sponsors, and rugby leaders reflected on five decades of grassroots rugby in Fiji. The anniversary highlighted 50 years of rugby development, community support, and sporting tradition in Fiji.

Fiji Bitter head of marketing Etrina Simpson said the moment was special for the brand and the tournament.

“Today, was a proud moment for Fiji Bitter as we celebrated the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s,” she said.

Simpson added that the partnership with grassroots rugby started in 1976 and remained strong over the years. She said the tournament represented more than just rugby.

“It represented unity, pride, and the heartbeat of grassroots rugby in Fiji,” she said.

Simpson also said Fiji Bitter remained committed to supporting young players and local communities.

Marist Rugby Club president Lawrence Tikaram said the occasion marked a shared journey built on trust.

“For 50 years, we had a brand that stood beside us through hard times and good times,” he said.

He acknowledged past leaders and founders who helped build the tournament from a simple idea into a national event. Tikaram paid tribute to Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, who helped establish the tournament in the late 1970s.

“It was just a dream back then, but it became alive,” he said.

He also recognised former Marist Rugby Club presidents and officials who guided the competition over the decades.

Organisers announced that 120 teams took part in the anniversary tournament over three days. The total prize money reached $75,000, which was the largest in the tour-nament’s history.

Tikaram said every team received prize money as part of a new incentive system.

He explained that the men’s champions received $12,000, with an extra $5000 for first-time grassroots winner.

“This tournament belonged to the grassroots teams,” he said.

The women’s, Under-21, and U18 competitions also share cash prizes.

Fiji Bitter Marist 7s coordinator Koli Korovulavula said the tournament remained one of the toughest in rugby sevens.

“The teams played nine games in two days, and only the strongest survived,” he said.

He added that the competition promotes discipline and clean rugby.

Korovulavula also highlighted the Legends Select Match, which featured teams selected by Waisale Serevi and Jerry Tuwai. He said the match honored players who helped shape the tournament’s history.

The organisers also announced environmental and heritage initiatives.

They confirmed that 170 indigenous trees were planted to mark 50 years, and a commemorative magazine captured the tournament’s history.

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