England Rugby 24/Sevens 2017 grassroots competition open for entry
~24/Sevens competition qualifiers hosted in 38 locations across England ~
~National finals confirmed for 29th July in Bath Recreation Ground~
Today (2nd March) England Rugby announced the 24/Sevens 2017 competition is now open for all community clubs and new and existing sevens teams to enter. The exciting community sevens series, that was launched in 2016, aims to continue to grow sevens rugby and increase participation among men and women. By aligning existing domestic sevens tournaments, the competition has created consistent playing opportunities for sevens players at the grassroots level with over 6,000 players participating in 2016.
Sevens rugby is a key part of England Rugby’s work with Sports England, broadening high-quality playing opportunities for all players. In 2017 the 24/Sevens competition will be bigger and better than ever before, with more local qualifiers being held in 38 locations across England. 24/Sevens 2017 will also see the addition of a new tiered competition structure with ‘Social’ and ‘Invitational elite’ tiers being added alongside the existing ‘Open’ competition.
Formats
- Local qualifier winners in the ‘Open’ tier, where, men’s and women’s sevens teams and community clubs can enter, will progress to one of four regional playoffs taking place in north, midlands, south-east and south-west across two weekends in July. The competition will culminate in a showpiece national final event hosted by England Rugby at The Recreation Ground in Bath on the 29th July.
- The new ‘Social tier’ will see tournaments held at all 38 local qualifier venues across England. Open for all levels of ability, the Social tier is a great entry point into the game for those who are new to contact formats of the game and those who are returning to rugby.
- The ‘Invitational elite’ tier will showcase top-level men’s sevens teams and players with the Super Sevens Series featuring in partnership with the 24/Sevens competition structure for the first time, including the 24/Sevens national final.
RFU Development Director, Steve Grainger today said ‘Over 6000 players took part in the inaugural 24/Sevens competition in 2016. This year we are broadening the competition’s reach and capacity to cater for an even wider range of playing levels with the new tiered competition structure. Sevens is an exciting format of rugby that can be played not only by sevens-specific players but also by anyone that does or has played fifteen-a-side rugby and players who are new to contact rugby. We are looking forward to seeing the player talent on display this year as teams compete for the highest national accolade at the community level in Rugby Sevens in England”.
England Sevens Head Coach, Simon Amor today said “Following the success of the Olympics there has never been a more exciting time for rugby sevens. There are undoubtedly more players playing the sport around the world and the growth of 24/Sevens is fantastic for sevens in our country. The linkup with the Super Sevens Series is also a positive step forward creating a clear elite level for players to compete in and providing a great opportunity to develop young sevens talent.”
England Sevens assistant coach (women), James Bailey said: ‘The 24/Sevens competition is important for the development of the women’s sevens pathway as it’s giving players at community level more quality and consistent playing opportunities. This is making sevens a real option for aspiring players. The Olympics last year was a great showcase for the sport and inspired so many to get involved. 24/Sevens is a great entry point to the game.’
The local qualifier events take place throughout April, May and June, with regional play offs in the north, midlands, south-east and south-west in July. The 24/Sevens national final, on the 29th July, will be a vibrant combination of electric rugby, entertainment and live music ensuring a unique experience on and off the pitch for players and spectators.
For more information on how you can be part of the 24/Sevens series visit www.englandrugby.com/24sevens
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