ANOTHER exciting season of sevens rugby is expected as the 2026/2027 Fiji Bitter Sevens Series prepares to bring teams from across the country together for six months of competition, with grassroots development remaining a key priority.
Fiji Bitter Sevens Series chairman Lawrence Tikaram say the competition will provide opportunities for emerging players, particularly women and youths, to showcase their talent and develop their skills.
The series will run from November this year to April next year, featuring six tournaments in six months, aimed at strengthening sevens rugby at community level.
Tikaram said the launch marked the beginning of a new journey for tournament organisers and teams as they prepare for the competition.
“At the end of the day, the goal is to nurture, develop, create and foster grassroots sevens rugby in the country,” Tikaram said.
He shared that the aim is to deliver tournaments in a safe and effective environment while supporting the continued growth of the sport.
He also added organisers wanted to see greater participation in women’s rugby, alongside men’s and youth competitions.
Tikaram said encouraging more young women to participate would create equal opportunities and help strengthen the development pathway for national and provincial teams.
“We want to see women’s rugby become a stronger part of the Fiji Bitter Series,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of other tournaments held around the country, saying they provided players with valuable competition experience and helped teams prepare for the series.
“These satellite tournaments are very important to the success of the Fiji Bitter series,” he said.
Each tournament is expected to host more than 30 teams.
Fiji Bitter 7s dates: Yalovata 7s: November 27-28 in Levuka, Wairiki 7s: December 11-12 in Taveuni, Labasa 7s: January 22-23, 2027, Savusavu 7s: February 12-13, 2027, Namaka 7s: March 5-6, 2027, Marist 7s: April 1-3, 2027.
