Premiership Rugby and PRW set for summer sevens

The Welsh Regions will be part of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series that will kick-off at Gloucester Rugby on Thursday 20 August with the final eight days later at the Twickenham Stoop.

Last summer saw six thrilling derby clashes in a unique Welsh leg of the competition that excited crowds in the heart of the capital - as the first-ever Welsh stage in the Premiership Rugby 7s kicked off at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on July 26th2014.

Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues qualified from the Welsh stage to compete in the final held at Harlequins home ground, The Stoop - with Gloucester Rugby crowned the 2014 champions.

With the Premiership 7s series now in its 6th year, the partnership between Premiership Rugby and Pro Rugby Wales continues after last year’s successful event with the date and location for the 2015 Welsh pool stage to be announced in due course.

“The 7s Series kicked off in 2010 and since then it has become a significant date in the rugby calendar,” said the Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby, Phil Winstanley.

“Twelve months before rugby returns to the Olympics – in Rio – it is crucial that Premiership Rugby continues to lead the way when it comes to club 7s. This will be an important competition and will start a run-in to the Olympic Games when rugby will be firmly in the world spotlight.”

Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales Mark Davies said:  “We’re delighted to be part of this exciting 7s competition again this summer after very positive feedback from supporters, players and rugby management teams.

“It’s great to see the pace and ambition of young, developing players in action in a game that demands a lot physically.  The fun and excitement of the 7s game shows the spirit of partnership we have with the English clubs and our sponsor BT Sport to support a game which is becoming increasingly popular and high profile as an Olympic Sport in 2016.

“Once again it will give us as the chance to see regional rugby’s brightest rising stars. It’s a fast, quick game with lots of running rugby that the entire Welsh support base loves.

“We’ve got strong 7s rugby at junior level and it’s been missing from the regional game and it’s something we want to support and develop further.

“To once again be part of a meaningful, established competition is really exciting for all of us involved in Pro Rugby in Wales and we look forward to launching the Welsh leg of the competition soon.”

SINGHA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY 7s

 

·       Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series starts on Thursday 20 August

·       Final to be staged at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday 28 August

·       The Series will be shown live on BT Sport, main sponsor to the Welsh Regions

·       The Welsh Regions will enter the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series for the second year with an announcement on a Welsh date and venue to follow