Men’s Sevens set for International Series in Mackay
The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens team will play an International Series against Japan in Mackay, Queensland this August, as part of the build up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Kicking off on Thursday August 17, Andy Friend’s side will play multiple games in two days of Rugby Sevens action at BB Print Stadium in Mackay, as well as getting actively involved in the local community.
The International Series will form part of the preparation for the upcoming 2017/18 HSBC Sevens World Series, with the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast also looming large.
Minister for Tourism and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones said: “The benefits of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are being felt throughout Queensland.”
“Mackay securing the International Series between Australia and Japan is a direct result of Queensland hosting the Games.
“The matches will form part of Australia’s preparation for GC2018, the 2017/18 HSBC Sevens World Series and the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco.
“This visit will provide a boost to the local economy and tourism industry, along with the benefits to the local community with school visits and open training sessions planned during their time in Mackay.
“The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games provide a unique opportunity for us to create a lasting legacy for business, industry, sporting and community groups, right across the state,” Ms Jones said.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said Mackay Regional Council had helped secure the series through its Invest Mackay Events Attraction Program.
“Our Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Embracing 2018 Statewide Working Group has been working hard to bring Games benefits to the Mackay region,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“The 2018 International Series in Mackay will ensure the excitement and atmosphere of the Games reaches regional Queensland.”
Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting for Mackay to be hosting an international rugby Sevens series.
“A goal of our Invest Mackay program is to raise Mackay’s profile nationally and internationally, and this series against Japan will certainly do that,’’ Cr Williamson said.
“The Mackay Airport Beach Horse Races are also on a day later on Saturday, August 19, so visitors to the region can catch some international rugby action ahead of the ‘event like no other’ on Harbour Beach,’’ he said.
“It will also be tremendous to have the Men’s Sevens players developing grassroots rugby union in our community by hosting training sessions and visiting clubs and schools,” Cr Williamson said.
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Coach, Andy Friend said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to take Rugby Sevens to the regions of Australia, and we’re looking forward to getting involved in the local community.
“This Series will be a crucial cog in our preparation, not only for the upcoming World Series and Commonwealth Games but also the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco next year.
“The games will be a chance for the up-and-coming stars to make their mark against a very good Japan side.
“We’ll arrive in town early in the week, so we’re excited as a team to meet the people of Mackay and introduce them to this great game of Sevens that is booming around the world,” Friend said.
The Men’s Sevens team will host open training sessions and plans to visit clubs and schools in the Mackay region during the week of the Series.
2017 International Series, Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens v Japan, Mackay, Queensland
Thursday 17 August
Australia v Japan, BB Print Stadium, Mackay (Kickoff times TBC)
Friday 18 August
Australia v Japan, BB Print Stadium, Mackay (Kickoff times TBC)
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