SO YOU WANT TO PLAY 7s...
Stuck for something to do this summer? Why not look at playing rugby sevens? There’s still time to enter into a tournament, or head down as a spectator to watch some live rugby.
What is sevens?
Rugby sevens is a version of rugby union which differs from the standard fifteens game. Teams are made up of seven players, who play seven-minute halves. The matches are usually played in the summer months, and range from fun, social games all the way up to elite.
Is it played on the same pitch size as fifteens?
Yes, sevens is usually played on the same pitch as fifteens.
What positions are there in a sevens team?
1. Prop
2. Hooker
3. Prop
4. Scrum-half
5. Fly-half
6. Centre
7. Wing
Do I need to be at a good standard to play?
The game has a reputation for only catering for the super fit players, but the truth is anyone can get involved – there are plenty of fun leagues happening all around the UK this summer.
Is it full contact?
It depends, some festivals such as TagFest are non-contact, whereas others are full contact. Check out the events below for more details.
When are the sevens tournaments happening?
UK tournaments
3RD JULY 2021: TAGFEST BRISTOL, 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM, COTHAM PARK RUGBY CLUB, BS8 3TF
All games will be seven-a-side and will have a guaranteed game time of at least nine minutes. Team entry is now sold out, but why not grab a group of friends and head on down as a spectator to see some great rugby?
10TH JULY 2021: TAGFEST COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE, 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, LEAMINGTON RFC, KENILWORTH RD LEAMINGTON SPA, BLACKDOWN CV32 6RG
With a capacity of 32 teams, there promises to be a wide range of rugby on show. Team registration is available for £170, but you can also register as an individual for £19 and the organisers will assign you to a bespoke team.If you have a group of friends that want to come together and play, but don’t have enough to form a full team, send an email to coventry@trytagrugby.com to discuss options.
The registration deadline for teams and individuals is 9am, Friday 2nd July or when the event sells out.
10TH JULY 2021: LONDON INTERNATIONAL 7S TOURNAMENT, WASPS RUGBY CLUB, LONDON, W3 9QA, 11AM – 11PM
This event has been running for nine years and welcomes both social and competitive teams – including over 40 men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams. A total of four competitions will be run on the day:
- Men’s Open
- Men’s Social
- Women’s Open
- Women’s Social
Spectator tickets are available for £8, and more information on entering a team can be found here.
24TH JULY 2021: RASCALS 7S FESTIVAL, BOWDEN RUGBY CLUB, WA15 7AF
The Rascals 7s Rugby Festival is created by players, for players. After being postponed last year, the team can’t wait to welcome all rugby fans for a great day of rugby, food and fun. Three competitions will be running on the day:
- Men’s Open 7s
- Women’s Open 7s
- Men’s Social 7s
To find out more information, contact jamescoulson@rascalsrugby7s.com
24TH JULY 2021: TAGFEST WIGAN, 11:30AM – 11:00PM, LOCATION TBC
As Wigan is home to the World Pie Eating Championships, TagFest will be celebrating its pie eating roots by hosting its own Pie Eating Competition.
All games are seven-a-side, with regular try tag rugby rules applying.Each squad should have a maximum of 12 players, with a minimum of three female players on the pitch at any one time. Team registration is available at the cost of £160 for squads of 12. If your usual team can’t play or you just fancy a bit of a change, don’t worry: you can always register for the tournament as an individual for £20 and you’ll be assigned to a bespoke Individuals’ Team of a similar standard. If you have a couple of mates and want to play together as part of an individuals’ team, sign up and drop a line to wigan@trytagrugby.com with the players’ names.
The registration deadline for both teams and individuals is 9am Friday 16th July or when the event sells out.
30TH – 31ST JULY 2021, CHELTENHAM SEVENS FESTIVAL, NEWLANDS PARK, GL52 3PE
Cheltenham Sevens is a festival for all sport lovers, offering competitive and social leagues in rugby, netball and fitness. The event is situated over four rugby pitches and offers eight competitions with cash prizes available.
At the time of writing, 'Weekend' and 'Mixed Rugby Touch' tickets are still available – head to the website to book now.
27TH – 29TH AUGUST, BOURNEMOUTH 7s, BOURNEMOUTH SPORTS CLUB, CHAPEL GATE, BH23, 6BL
Renowned as the ‘Sporting Glastonbury’, Bournemouth 7s has established an excellent reputation amongst sportspeople and festival-goers alike. The award-winning festival welcomes 400 rugby, netball, touch, dodgeball, hockey and volleyball teams and 30,000 festival-goers.
Team entry is still available for the Ladies Viper 10 Cup, alongside various spectator packages. Head to the website for more information."