7s festival earmarked for Suva
THE 48th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament promises to be bigger and better with an electric three days of rugby at Laucala Bay in Suva.
Eighty-nine teams will be part of the tournament with 190 matches set to be witnessed.
Considered the mecca of sevens tournaments in Fiji, the Marist 7s encompasses the development of grassroots rugby with teams from all over the country convening at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva vying for the spoils and a chance to impress scouts.
Marist Rugby Club president Lawrence Tikaram said it was going to be a festival of sevens at the capital.
“This is a special year because we have the Olympics and I think our eyes are on what we can do for the Fiji 7s team,” he said.
“In terms of fans and player support, we have some great prizes, but you need to be at the stadium to win. We have a great sponsor in the Fiji Airways which has provided us six airline tickets to Australia and New Zealand and that’s going to be given away on Friday and Saturday. We have also included the prizes for the best players.
“We also have after-event function at the concourse which entitles the people at the grandstand to attend. We also have entertainment that’s happening at the event lounge as well after the event. We welcome all players and fans but only if you’re sitting at the grandstand.”
Rugby enthusiasts planning to watch the tournament will pay $5 flat on Day 1. On Day 2, spectators will pay $10 for the grandstand and $7 for the ground.
Grandstand tickets will be sold for $20 in Day 3 while fans will pay for $7 for the ground and embankment.
This is a special year because we have the Olympics and I think our eyes are on what we can do for the Fiji 7s team – Lawrence Tikaram