As the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens celebrates its golden jubilee, the tournament promises to deliver high-scoring, disciplined rugby that captivates fans and showcases the essence of Fijian talent. This year’s series has introduced several innovative policies that aim to transform the tournament and elevate the standards of play.
Tournament director Koli Korovulavula highlighted the collaborative effort with Paradise Beverages that led to the development of a format rewarding teams not only for scoring tries but also for maintaining discipline on the field. “We want winning, try-full rugby. That’s skill. That’s the intent,” Korovulavula stated, emphasizing the importance of a clean game free from foul play.
Historically, the tournament has been a platform for establishing future Sevens stars who have excelled in international competitions such as the HSBC Sevens World Series. The organizers are keen to continue this tradition while upholding values of discipline and sportsmanship. This year’s focus is particularly on nurturing talented rugby players who demonstrate skill coupled with a strong commitment to fair play.
A noteworthy change in this year’s tournament is the introduction of a point system that incentivizes teams to complete matches without disciplinary infractions. For every match played without a yellow or red card, teams earn an additional bonus point. This initiative is designed not only to promote legal tackles and clean techniques but also to enhance the competitive spirit of the tournament. The accumulated points can play a critical role in determining pool tiebreakers and overall series standings.
As the Fiji Bitter Sevens gears up for an exciting celebration of rugby, the reforms instigated aim to showcase the true grit and integrity of Fijian rugby, reinforcing a legacy that is as dynamic as it is disciplined.