More than 80 teams are expected to be competing in the 37th edition of the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s that kicks start this weekend at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Nawaka Rugby representative Osea Ranawai said they were expecting to have 48 men’s, eight women’s, and 24 under-21 teams competing in the two-day event which starts on Friday.
“There are 10 spots left to be filled in the men’s division with a handful more in the under-21 sides but we are expecting more,” he said.
Ranawai is also urging teams who are looking to compete at the tournament to quickly pay their registration fees as the deadline for all payments will be tomorrow at 10pm.
“We are calling out to teams to quickly pay their registration fees because we will be following the ‘first come, first serve’ format in confirming the teams.”
He also noted that the Fiji Babaas and Mount Masada, the shadow men’s and women’s national 7s teams, will be competing in the tournament. “Having the two national teams in the tournament will be beneficial for everyone.
“The national side will get more playing time and preparation for the upcoming HSBC SVNS Series and the 2024 Paris Olympics later this year.”
Meanwhile, he confirmed that there is a club from Japan who have registered to compete in the tournament.
“We have a Japanese club called Samurai Japan, and this will be their first time competing in the Nawaka 7s.
“I believe there are around two national reps in the team so that will be exciting when they come to compete.”
