Samurai, Pukekohe U21 for Nawaka 7s

The Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s kicks off on Friday.

Tournament organiser Osea Ranawai has confirmed to SUNsports yesterday that Samurai from Japan and the Pukekohe Under-21 side from New Zealand are playing in this weekend’s Fiji Bitter Nawaka Sevens tournament.

The two-day tournament starts on Friday at Prince Charles in Nadi.

However, he also indicated that the New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna sevens teams have pulled out of the tournament.

“They had called to cancel their registration and their representatives assured us that they will come next year,” he said.

Ranawai said only two overseas clubs would be participating in their tournament. “We have the Samurai from Japan in the men’s division and Pukekohe from New Zealand in the Under- 21 category,” he said.

Ranawai said they haven’t reached the targeted 48 teams in the men’s division.

“We should be able to finalise the numbers by tomorrow. So far, 35 teams have been confirmed in the men’s division. “That’s the only category left while the women’s and under-21 categories have been filled,” he said.

Ranawai said some clubs like the Fiji Babaas have confirmed their participation but it are yet to pay to their registration fee.

“We will reserve a spot for the Fiji Babaas as they are the defending champions. Mount Masada has already paid their registration fee for the women’s division,” he said.

“Most of these teams were part of the Fiji Bitter series and they have incurred expenses during the Nahehevia tournament last week.” Ranawai said today is the deadline for the payment of registration.

“I have spoken with the managers of the teams to alert them on the payment of fees to avoid last minute withdrawals,” he said.

“If any problems arise, we’ll have a discussion with the managers to solve any issue at hand.”

Ranawai urged fans to turn up in numbers to support the tournament.

“We have already had discussions with the Nadi Meteorological Service in Namaka. “They had informed us that there will be fine weather this weekend.”

Ticket Prices Day 1

– Kids $5 Adults $7 flat (pavilion & ground)

Day 2 – Kids $5 Adults $10 flat (pavilion & ground)