Nationwide Sevens contest
TEAMS from across Loughborough will get the opportunity this summer to take part in a groundbreaking nationwide Sevens competition and battle it out to win a place in July’s National finals day at Bath Rugby’s Recreation Ground.
More than 6,000 sevens players are expected to participate again in England Rugby’s 24/Sevens competition, with 38 local qualifiers kicking off throughout May and June.
The Loughborough 7s will take place on May 13 at Loughborough University with men and women’s sevens teams and community clubs able to enter the ‘Open’ tier, while a ‘Social’ tier will also exist to ensure all-comers are welcome at the event.
Sevens rugby is a key part of England Rugby’s work with Sport England, broadening high quality playing opportunities for all players.
The competition will culminate in a showpiece national final event hosted by England Rugby at The Recreation Ground in Bath on July 29.
The exciting community sevens-series was launched in 2016 and aims to continue to grow sevens rugby and increase participation among men and women in England.
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.
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, before the 24/Sevens national final in July.
England Sevens women’s assistant coach James Bailey said: “This is making sevens a real option for aspiring players. The Olympics last year inspired so many to get involved. 24/Sevens is a great entry point to the game.’
• England Rugby 24/Sevens, an exciting grassroots sevens competition for all rugby teams, welcoming anyone who just wants to pick up a ball and run, for fun or glory. Visit www.englandrugby. com/24sevens to get involved