Organisers urge fans to turn up at sevens tourney

RUGBY fans and enthusiasts are being urged to turn up at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka for the this weekend’s Fiji Bitter Nahehevia 7s tournament which starts on Friday.

Tournament coordinator Marika Kurisese says rugby fans and lovers should come out in numbers to support their respective teams and support the growth of grassroots 7s rugby in the country.

“We are calling out to all our rugby lovers to please come out in numbers and support your respective teams and support the development of grassroots 7s rugby here in Sigatoka,” he said.

Fans and spectators, he said, should expect an exciting two-day event as a total of 32 men’s teams battle it out for the top honours.

“We have big names competing here at the tournament and we are expecting a very exciting two-day event,” Kurisese said.

“We have teams like Lavidi Brothers, who almost defeated the national 7s side at the Lomaiviti 7s in Levuka last month, competing as well and they will be a team to look out for.

“They are also currently leading in the points standings for the Fiji Bitter 7s Series with a total of 367.53 points while Police Blues come in with 318.74.”

Meanwhile, Raiwasa Taveuni is the defending champion for the men’s division while CK Ezy Buy Marist holds the title in the women’s division.

“Some top teams expected at the tournament are BLK Lavidi Brothers, DXC Barbarians, Dominion Brothers, Raiwasa Taveuni, Ratu Filise, Tabadamu, and the Fiji Babaas. Police Blue has withdrawn from the tournament,” he said.

“The winner of the second Fiji Bitter Nahehevia 7s tournament will walk way with $8,000 in prize money and $4,000 for the unner-up.

“And in the youth division, where we have a total of 16 teams, the winner will receive $2,000 while there is a $1,500 prize money for the women’s division.”