The Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s tournament is set to take place for its fourth edition from January 8 to 10, 2026, in Labasa, promising an exhilarating showcase of rugby talent. Vika Vataniyaragi, the tournament organizer, revealed that the event will be hosted at the Services Rugby Club in Nawadamu, and excitement is already building for the three-day affair.
Vataniyaragi expressed her anticipation for the tournament, stating, “We are really looking forward to this tournament and we anticipate three days of exciting competition.” The event will feature competitions across three categories: men’s, women’s, and Under 21 divisions. The interest from teams nationwide indicates the tournament’s growing popularity, with all 32 slots in the men’s division filled and eight teams already confirmed in the women’s category. The U21 division also shows strong registration numbers, with 21 teams signed up and only three spots remaining.
As the only female organizer in the Fiji Bitter 7s series, Vataniyaragi emphasized that the goals of the tournament extend beyond just showcasing rugby. A significant focus is to support local community initiatives by raising funds for two major projects: the construction of a gym and a community hall in Nawadamu. The new gym will be accessible to all clubs affiliated with the Macuata Rugby Union, helping players prepare for regional competitions and fostering grassroots development.
“Building this gym will be beneficial at the grassroots level and help in player development,” Vataniyaragi remarked. The community hall is intended to have multiple uses, supporting local initiatives and serving as an evacuation center during flooding events, an issue of concern for residents in the area.
The ambitious projects come with an estimated budget of around $300,000, and the tournament will play a crucial role in making these plans a reality. With strong participation and a dedicated community focus, Vataniyaragi remains hopeful that the 2026 Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s will not only be a remarkable sporting event but also significantly enhance the welfare of the local community.