The tournament that started with six cartons of beer as the first prize has now become an attractive tournament with major changes also to its format.
At the launch of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s today, President of the Marist Sports Club and Chairman of the organizing committee Lawrence Tikaram said for the first time ever pool matches will also be played at night as there are now proper floodlights at the new ANZ stadium.
One of the major changes is that teams will be able to register 15 players compared to 12 in previous years.
Tikaram added there have been talks with the Fiji Rugby Union to bring a top international referee for the tournament.
The Digicel Fiji 7s team has also confirmed its participation as this will be last chance for players to prove themselves as the Fiji 7s team for the Rugby World Cup will be named straight after the Marist tournament.
There will be 64 men’s teams in the main competition and registration closes on May 17th.
Overseas teams that have already confirmed their participation include Japan, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
Meanwhile, Pacific Beverages has again sponsored the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s for the 37th year.
The Marist 7s will be played from the 31st of this month to the 1st of next month at the ANZ Stadium.
Story by: Aliki Bia
