A celebration 50 years in the making, the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s will feature 120 teams in the final stop of the Fiji Bitter 7s series next year.
This means 64 men’s, 12 women’s, 32 under-21 and 12 under-18 teams make up the total teams featuring in the contest.
A new part of the competition has been added; competing teams from around the Pacific will vie for the MPasifika Shield.
Former players who have shaped the past five decades of grassroots rugby will also be honoured with a special legends match.
In the same vein of paying tribute to those who have shaped the tournament over the years, a 50th anniversary capping ceremony will honour 50 individuals, players, officials, administrators and pioneers.
Off the field, fans will also be immersed in the 50th Marist 7s experience with a builder experience zone, Golden Roots Global Wings giveaways, Meet-the-Legend sessions and live entertainment, other giveaways and digital activations.
In a statement, organisers say it will be a tribute to five decades of passion, unity and rugby excellence.
“The 50th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s is a celebration of the people who built this tournament; with our major sponsors Fiji Bitter, the players, supporters, officials, and partners,” the statement said.
“The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s remains a cornerstone of Fiji’s rugby calendar and a platform that continues to develop pathways for future national and international rugby stars.”
The tournament also integrates a vital component of the Marist Brothers into its theme “The Builder” – its founder Marcellin Champagnat, the golden roots of grassroots rugby, global wings for Fiji’s two Olympic gold medals as a reminder of its humble start and honouring foundations laid before it.
The Marist 7s will be held from March 26-28, 2026 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
