The 44th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s will follow a different format this year as only 48 men’s teams will compete for the prestigious title.

President of the Marist Rugby Club, Lawrence Tikaram says they used to have 68 men’s teams competing in this tournament, but this year they have reduced the number so that more women and youth teams can participate.

Tikaram says this year they have increased the women’s teams to eight while the youth competition will have twelve teams.

Twenty-five teams have confirmed their spot for the men’s competition, while two teams have been confirmed for the Under 20 and women’s competition.

Police are the defending Marist 7s champions.

The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s will be held from the 19th to the 21st of March.