THE Fiji Bitter Wairiki Sevens tournament is setting its sights on introducing fresh initiatives for this year’s competition.

At an event held at the headquarters of Paradise Beverages Fiji Ltd in Suva yesterday, the Fiji Bitter Yasawa Sevens and Wairiki Sevens tournaments were officially launched.

A notable change in this year’s Wairiki Sevens competition format is the inclusion of under-15 to U18 categories, excluding Netball and Volleyball, as part of a strategy to bolster grassroots player development on the island.

The tournament will be expecting 32 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams.

Mark Spencer, the General Manager of Paradise Beverages, emphasised the importance of the longstanding 17-year partnership.

Meanwhile, the Nacula Yasawa 7s will take place from December 6-7 at Churchill Park Lautoka, while the Wairiki 7s is from December 11-14 at Wairiki grounds in Taveuni.