Captains Launch Marriot London Sevens
As fans put the final touches to their safari outfits ahead of this weekend’s Marriott London Sevens, the 12 captains and coaches set to take part have officially launched the tournament, with ticket sales already well over the 100,000 mark.
Players and coaches attended a tag rugby festival for local primary schools and the Dallaglio Foundation as children had the opportunity to get their hands on the tournament trophy ahead of the final leg of this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series.
Last year’s weekend attendance of over 103, 000 confirmed London as the world’s largest two day sevens tournament but ticket sales are on course to break this record with 110, 000 fans expected over the weekend to enjoy the 850 minutes of rugby action.
Commenting on the Olympic effect, with rugby sevens set to debut at Rio 2016, coach of South Africa Paul Treu said: ‘The tickets for the Marriott London Sevens this year are well over 100,000 so that definitely shows increased demand for the sport. I think we will start to notice the true effect the Olympics has on the game as we move towards the Commonwealth Games and countdown to the Olympics. We are looking forward to even more interest from fans and sponsors.’
Alex Magleby, coach of USA agreed: ‘I think the USA is one of the growing rugby nations, so the inclusion of Sevens should make a big impact. Every other country is very established but now we are now starting to see an explosion in youth rugby in our country. The success of the women’s team, who are currently in the world top four, has also benefited the sports appeal.’
England will face Fiji, Samoa and Argentina in Pool C on the opening day at Twickenham Stadium in the final leg of this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series. The Women’s Invitational Tournament at the Marriott London Sevens sees England face France, Spain and Australia on day one of an eight-team event.
Attending the launch, Rob Vickerman, England Sevens captain said: ‘It’s great to be heading into London on the back of our third place finish in Glasgow and we are confident that we can carry that form into this weekend – there is no better place to do that, than at Twickenham.’
‘It’s very special playing at the home of England Rugby, combining one of the world’s best XVs rugby stadium’s with one of the best sevens rounds of the series this year. Everyone is really looking forward to playing in front of our friends and family, a potentially record breaking crowd and a fantastic atmosphere.’
IRB chairman, Bernard Lapasset, added: ‘The battle for core team places in London is set to be fiercely contested with all eight teams hugely competitive, having won through from their regions and also booked places at Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow. It is wonderful news for the fans as it guarantees even more quality and intensity at Twickenham.’
‘Going forward to our Olympic debut in Rio in 2016, it is important that every nation can win core team status if they are good enough. We are confident that this system provides every nation competing in their regional tournament with a direct chance to compete on every round of the World Series, and so also ensures a transparent pathway to the Games.’
This year’s ‘theme’ for players and fans alike sees the weekend of rugby go on safari – check out the official launch at Sport Industry TV.
Tickets are still available for fans to join the England Sevens on safari and roar them on at this year’s Marriott London Sevens, and can also be purchased from the ticket office on the day.
