THE Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s tournament will unveil a new format of competition where top teams from around the country will go head-to-head against new or developing teams ascending from the grassroots level, in the third leg of the Fiji Bitter 7s series.

James Vunituraga, the tournament director of the overall series, revealed the new format during the launch of the Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s at the head offices of Paradise Beverages Fiji Limited in Suva, earlier this week.

The new format comprises of teams divided into two categories, with top teams forming the elite category and the remainder for the grassroots category.

These teams are further divided into four pools, and the winners from these pools have a chance to face off in the elimination stages before the top teams from both categories advance onto higher stages of competition.

Vunituraga highlighted the new arrangement would give the grassroots teams a great avenue through which they could have a chance at competing in the final stages of competition.

“It’s giving an opportunity for the grassroots level to play (against) each other and come out on top to meet the elite teams,” he said.

“It’s not only for the cup, but (also) for the bowl and the shield (finals).”

Meanwhile, Alfaio Tekavei, the sponsorship and events specialist for Fiji Bitter, also present at the launch, remarked the new format would be an interesting spectacle, stating the grassroots teams would benefit most especially.

The Mataso 7s will take place from November 15-17 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.