More than 4,000 fans are expected to enjoy the annual feast of top drawer sevens rugby on offer in Bury St Edmunds this weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: A crowd of more than 4,000 is expected at the Bury Rugby Sevens. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTA crowd of more than 4,000 is expected at the Bury Rugby Sevens. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

With the sun set to shine, it could be a record turnout on Sunday as the Bury Rugby Club hosts some of the best seven-a-side players on earth in the build-up to the World Cup in San Francisco later this year.

There will be a 16-team elite tournament – the first round of the national Super Sevens Series – as well as an eight-team open tournament, plus the usual rugby celebrities on hand throughout the day.

Premiership giants Saracens will be competing, as well as the likes of the English and Welsh national development sides, Jamaica Crocs, Northampton Saints, an Army squad and the local Bury Barbarians.

Neil Ireland, tournament chairman said: “When we first established this tournament we never dreamt it would grow to become the event it is today.

East Anglian Daily Times: 16 elite sides will do battle for the Bury Rugby Sevens title. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT16 elite sides will do battle for the Bury Rugby Sevens title. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“Each year we welcome more high profile teams and players to compete, which makes for a thrilling day for spectators.

“Now as one of the highlights in the Sevens rugby calendar, the Greene King IPA 7s is elite sevens rugby at its very best. No other event in East Anglia offers spectators the chance to watch world class sport in the region.”

Bury chairman Mike Robinson added: “Our Bury Barbarians team is our strongest yet with a host of high calibre players, both local and invited guest players from across the country.

“We are confident they will be a force to be reckoned with. So much so, we have entered them into the Elite competition alongside some high profile, experienced international 7s squads.”

As well as the rugby, the event boasts a wide range of food and drink stalls offering a hog roast, barbecue, and a beer festival. There will also be stalls selling merchandise and gifts.

Gate prices are £15 per adult, £5 for U16s and free for Under 5s. The first game is set for 10am, with the final scheduled to kick off at 6.40pm.

There’s no parking on site, but the lorry park on Rougham Hill(IP33 2RU) and the Greene King car park off Cullum Road (IP33 2TS) will be available.