It’s the Bury Rugby Greene King IPA Sevens this Sunday, one of the highlights of the Suffolk sporting calendar. MARK HEATH previews the event.
The Bury Rugby Sevens, now in its ninth year, is now one of the biggest events of its kind in the country.
The day attracts a huge crowd to the Haberden in Bury St Edmunds, home of the town’s National League rugby club, and is an undoubted highlight of the Suffolk sporting year.
WHEN AND WHERE?
The event will be held at the aforementioned Greene King Haberden (postcode IP33 2BL), this Sunday, with gates opening at 9.30am. Tickets are available on entry or via the club website at www.bserufc.co.uk. Gate prices are £15 per adult, £5 for under 16s and under fives go free. Matches start at around 10am, with finals at around 6pm.
WHO’S PLAYING?
Elite teams taking part are the Northampton Saints, Worcester Warriors, England IPF Development, French 7 Fantastics, Irish Wolfhounds, Jamaica Crocs, Samurai Barracudas, Wooden Spoon Marauders, Apache, Scimitar Exiles, Esher, Wallers 7s, The Black Sheep, Ramblin Jesters, Army 7s and the J9 Bears.
In addition, the Open men’s line-up consists of the Bury Barbarians, Samurai Bulldogs, Royal Navy Sharks, Stunts, Old Framlingham and Apache Braves.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
Put simply, the quality of rugby on offer is of the highest standard. The event is the first of four national Super Sevens Series Tournaments to be run over the summer, so this is one of the best sevens rugby events in the UK.
The English, Irish, French and Jamaican national teams are all involved, giving the event a truly international flavour, not to mention the likes of top-class domestic sides Northampton and Worcester.
WHAT ELSE IS ON OFFER?
A hog roast, barbecue, and a beer festival, plus merchandise stalls too. In addition, there’s activities and games for children on hand, including climbing walls and quad biking – the day is very family friendly.
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Mike Robinson said: “With teams from four different nations competing at the event this year, it really is our best line-up of elite teams yet.”
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