THE ‘highest standard of rugby ever seen in East Anglia’ has been promised by the organisers of a premier 7s tournament next month.

The third annual ULR International Premier 7s tournament will be held at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club with internationals and stars of the future both set to shine.

And with thousands of people expected to attend, and a �7,000 prize fund up for grabs, the organisers have every reason to be proud of what should be a fantastic event, on and off the pitch, on Sunday, May 8.

Michael Robinson, who is also playing chairman at Bury, said: “The event has just got bigger and better year-on-year. The demand for places is at an all-time high. After all, it’s not every day you get to see world class teams and players right on your doorstep. It really is an incredible spectacle for all sports lovers and their families. And for rugby fans, it’s simply a must-see.”

It is quite an accolade for the London 1 North club to hold such a prestigious event and Robinson was quick to praise the influence of Terry Sands.

The club’s director of rugby has over the years collated a wide expertise of the 7s games as manager of England and also the Samurai International RFC side.

Both will field a team among the 16 on display at the Haberden alongside the Welsh Warriors, Premiership giants Northampton Saints and Saracens and the Bury Gents, representing the home club and made up largely of members of the current squad.

Robinson explained: “It has really grown because of Terry Sand’s contacts and influence in the rugby world. We attract top class premiership and invitational sides who play in the big circuit of 7s tournaments.

“Because the first year went well, we have found that we are now attracting international B sides, who are using our 7s event to blood young players. The England and Wales B sides used it as a warm up event for the IRB London 7s. We believe we have attracted the highest standard of rugby ever seen in a single event in East Anglia.”

The day-long event, which starts at 10am, will see four groups of four with the top three in each group either progressing to the main competition or into a plate tournament.

With the likes of a children’s play area, fun fair and all-day bar, club chairman Phil Torkington believes there is something for everyone adding: “We always stress that this is a community club and we hope the town of Bury and beyond will support this great event.”

For more information about the event visit www.bserufc.co.uk or companies interested in the available promotional packages should contact Mike Robinson on 07798 576900.