PvZ2 Earned a premium plant upgrade, now not available in play!

Hi, newbie but directed here by EA Help. 

My fire peashooter was stuck on level 7 forever, and not increasing despite earning Battlez packs - finally got to the threshold and levelled up to 8 with 50k coins, at the plant selection stage pre Battle rather than via the Almanac. 

Now playing this week's tournament, and my fire peashooter is back to the previous level 7 752/800 rather than level 8!

Can someone help, please?