Lavidi Players Benefit from Series

The Fiji Bitter Sevens Series has resulted in several players leaving the country after securing contracts with overseas clubs.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, the BLK sponsored- Lavidi Brothers head coach Samuela Tuinabuna confirmed that seven of their players have left for overseas after signing their contracts.

The Kadavu based- sevens rugby club put on a dominant display in the 2023/24 Fiji Bitter Series where they won two tournaments and made six Cup final appearances. They are at the top of the series points table.

“Four players have been recruited to a rugby club in Georgia, two in New Zealand and one in Australia,”

Tuinabuna said.

“This is a new team and this is our second year playing.

“We have progress as a grassroots rugby club.”

Tuinabua said they had set a target to win as many tournament as possible in the 2023/24 series. “Most of these players have tried their best in other clubs but made no progress in their rugby career. “They were really thankful that they have secured contracts overseas while playing for this team.” Tuinabua said they are setting their target to claim the prestigious Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament, which is from March 21-23. For this weekend’s Fiji Bitter Nahehevia Sevens, he said, they faced a few problems in their preparation.

“It was issues like transportation. “Most of these players are unemployed so they are playing rugby to ensure a livelihood for themselves and their family.”

Tuinabua said he often advised the players to try and win tournaments to earn money.

“When these players win tournaments, they also earn money for themselves.

“We are confident of finishing well at the Nahehevia 7s tournament tomorrow (today).”