Smarting from their previous outings where they competed alongside some of the big guns of Fiji Rugby Union Super 7s Series including reigning champs Police Blue in the Malomalo 7s and the Wairiki 7s recently, the Devo Babaas are also looking to take a shot at some of the spoils allotted for the winning teams starting with the opening leg of the series in Sigatoka this week.
Formed during the lockdown in Nadi and made up of young men from Bua, the Devo Babaas are the newcomers to the FUN FLAVOUR Super 7s Series, taking the place of Navy who are a no-show for the first leg scheduled to kick-off at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Thursday.
The Devo Babaas are one of 16 teams registered for the first leg where they are grouped in Pool A with Ratu Filise, Uluinakau and Police Blue for the first leg of the tournament set to start on Thursday.
As a participating team, the Devo Babaas will be provided a $500 preparation grant, playing kits and rugby balls, thanks to the assistance of sponsors CJ Patel Pacific Limited who signed on with Fiji Rugby Union yesterday as sponsors of the 2022 Super 7s Series edition.
The signing earns the 2022 series the name FUN FLAVOUR Super Sevens Series, a naming right made possible as well by Coca Cola Amatil’s willingness to relax their sponsorship exemption.
FRU Chief Executive John O’Connor expressed his gratitude to both CJ Patel Pacific Limited and Coca Cola Amatil for their continued support and belief in the development of grassroots rugby in Fiji.
CJ Patel Pacific Limited Group General Manager Pranil Singh said Fun Flavour has been an iconic brand in Fiji for decades and to associate it with Sevens Rugby reinforces their desire to support the development of grassroot Rugby in Fiji.
“Our sponsorship for the Fun Flavour Super 7s Series will allow aspiring players to showcase their talents and have their chance to represent Fiji on the global stage. We are delighted to be part of this new series under FRU Banner and look forward to building this brand and lift the tournament to international standards in the next few years,” Singh said.
The Devo Babaas are one of 16 men’s teams confirmed to compete in the opening leg which will also feature 12 women’s teams.
The winner of the men’s and women’s category in the 1st leg of the Super Sevens Series will each be presented with the trophy.
The Fun Flavour Super 7s Series Men’s Champions will be awarded the Fun Flavour Super 7s Series trophy and the $20,000, the second-placed team will get $10,000 while the third-placed team receives $5000.
The Fun Flavour Super 7s Series Women’s Champion will be awarded the Fun Flavour Super 7s Series trophy and $10,000, the second-placed team will get $5,000 while the third-placed team receives $2000.
Only fully vaccinated players and officials will be allowed to participate in the tournament.
| Pool A | Pool B | Pool C | Pool D |
| Police Blue | Raiwasa Taveuni | Army | LAR Barbarians |
| Ratu Filise | Police White | Wardens | Tabadamu |
| Uluinakau | Fire | Eastern Saints | Wadigi Salvo |
| Devo Babaas | Nawaka | Dominion Brothers | Stallions |
| Pool A | Pool B | Pool C | Pool D |
| MT Masada | Seahawks | Police | Lilian Amazon |
| Valkyries | Waitui Waidroka | Yasawa | Marist |
| Striders | Savusavu | Fire Wardens | Lautoka |
