Army Green has withdrawn at the last minute from the Fiji Bitter Wairki 7s carnival prompting organisers to redo the draws of the pool games.
Fiji Bitter Wairki 7s tournament director Iowane Gade said they received a call from an executive of Army Green during the draw of pools on Sunday night confirming they would not participate in the tournament and confirmed Navy’s participation.
“The winner of the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s, Army Green, will take part in the Coral Coast 7s,” he said.
“This was their reason for withdrawing from the tournament.”
He said the tournament would carry on even though some well-known local rugby club teams were absent. “We have 20 teams participating in this year’s men’s senior competition,” he said.
“Last year’s winner Wardens Gold is returning so we are adamant of a good event.”
Some former Fiji 7s players, he said, are part of the local rugby clubs.
“We have former Fiji 7s captain Tevita Daugunu playing for Lavidi Brothers. He will be playing on home soil.
“Livai Ikanakoda will be playing for Police Blue.” He said underdog teams such as Somosomo Sharks were not to be underestimated during the four-day competition.
“These teams are expected to create upsets. We are expecting stiff competition from teams,” he said.
Gade said while the prizemoney had increased this year, the number of teams participating had dropped.
“Our prizemoney has increased from $10,000 to $12,000 as Fiji Bitter has increased our sponsorship,” he said.
Gade said the first pool game would start at 10.30am today after the officially opening by Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Antonio Lalabalavu.
Tickets to the tournament will be $5 for adults today, and Saturday will be $7 for adults and $3 for children.
