LABASA is set to come alive next month as the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s tournament returns for its fourth edition from January 8 to 10.
Tournament organiser Vika Vataniyaragi said the three-day competition will be hosted by the Services Rugby Club based in Nawadamu and is expected to deliver exciting rugby across all divisions.
“We are really looking forward to this tournament and we anticipate three days of exciting competition,” Vataniyaragi said.
The tournament will feature three categories men’s, women’s and U21 divisions with strong interest already shown by teams from around the country.
Vataniyaragi confirmed that the men’s division is already full, with all 32 team slots taken. The women’s category has also reached capacity, with eight teams confirmed. In the U21 division, only three spots remain, with 21 teams already registered out of the required 24.
“This shows how popular the tournament has become over the years,” she said.
Vataniyaragi also highlighted her pride in being the only female organiser in the Fiji Bitter 7s series.
“I’m blessed to be the only lady organiser in this Fiji Bitter 7s series and I’m very proud of that,” she said.
Beyond rugby, the tournament has a strong community focus. Vataniyaragi said the main objective of the event is to raise funds for two major projects the construction of a gym and a hall for the Nawadamu community.
“The gym will be open to all clubs affiliated with the Macuata Rugby Union.
“It will help at the grassroots level and assist players preparing for the Macuata team,” she said.
She added that the long-term vision is to strengthen local rugby to a level where teams can one day compete at major tournaments such as the Coral Coast 7s.
Plans are also in place to build a community hall, which will serve an important role during natural disasters.
“The Nawadamu community gets flooded, so we want to purchase land and build a hall that can also be used as an evacuation centre,” Vataniyaragi added.
She said the estimated budget for the two projects is around $300,000, and the tournament plays a crucial role in helping achieve that goal.
With strong team numbers, clear community objectives and growing support, Vataniyaragi believes the 2026 Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s will be one of the best yet.
