OVER the years, the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s has grown from its humble beginnings to a defining piece of grassroots rugby in the nation.
This, according to the founder of the tournament, Jone Vuki.
Speaking from Australia, Vuki highlighted the continued growth of the Fiji Bitter 7s stop since it began in late 2007.
“The tournament started very small in 2007 and has now grown to be the biggest in the world,” Vuki remarked.
He said the tournament’s offering of staging various sports helped it cement its mark of being a unique tournament in size and strength.
“I say this because no other tournament organises sevens rugby like we are doing,” he emphasised.
“We have other competitions organised simultaneously such as sevens rugby, men’s and women’s volleyball, women’s and mixed netball as well as our junior ruggers competition.”
“So far, people from all walks of life enjoy it and they turn up in numbers to watch and enjoy themselves in this tournament.”
This year’s tournament has grown since it began 18 years ago, with 21 men’s, 16 under-21 and five women’s teams taking part in the rugby competition which started yesterday.
The Wairiki 7s ends tomorrow.
