Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens launches
Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s took over Princesshay Shopping Centre on Wednesday (22 March) to launch this year’s tournament which returns to the South West on 15-16 July.
England Sevens players Tom Bowen and Charlton Kerr were in attendance, fresh from winning the HSBC Vancouver 7s, alongside England Sevens Academy player Callum Sirker, the Deputy Lord Mayor and a host of rugby clubs from the local area, all showing their support for the upcoming tournament.
Hundreds of passers-by got the chance to test out their rugby skills against the England Sevens players with passing and accuracy challenges as well as the chance to win prizes.
“It was great to meet the Exeter locals today and see their excitement ahead of the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens this summer,” said England Sevens player Tom Bowen.
Tom added: “It’s a great tournament and a brilliant experience playing different teams on the European circuit. If you’re new to rugby I recommend you get down to Exeter this July to take in the sport- with lots of tries and fast-paced action on the pitch and entertainment throughout the fan village, it’s a weekend not to be missed.”
The Exeter round will be the final stage of the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series 2017 that kicks off in Russia on 3 and 4 June, then moves to Poland on the 10-11 June.
With thousands of fans heading to Sandy Park over the last two years, the event is set to be even bigger and better than ever, with more rugby and entertainment on offer for spectators.
Tony Rowe, CEO of Exeter Chiefs, said: “Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens has become one of the highlights of Exeter’s sporting calendar, reinforcing its place as the sporting capital of the South West.
"We also hope to see many rugby clubs watching, as well as participating in the great game, through the South West 7s tournament which runs alongside the main event, promising an action-packed weekend of rugby.”
This year, clubs from the local area have been assigned an adopted nation to support and welcome to Exeter ahead of their involvement in the tournament, giving them the chance to celebrate and immerse themselves in the traditions and rugby of that nation.
With clubs already designing welcome banners, planning theme nights at their clubhouses, and registering in the South West Sevens tournament, which takes place on the 16 July, this year’s tournament is set to be celebrated across the community.
Director of Professional Rugby at the RFU, Nigel Melville, said: “It’s more than just the on-field rugby, it’s about community and through the ‘adopt a nation’ campaign, it gives the Exeter community an opportunity to rub shoulders with the elite rugby players throughout Europe.”
To buy tickets to the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens, go to www.exetersevens.co.uk/sevens
To submit your team to compete in the South West Sevens, go to www.swrugby7s.co.uk
