Billingham Rugby Club has capped a great season of success at all levels with selection as a venue for England Rugby 24/Sevens. This is a new sevens competition for all rugby teams, welcoming anyone who just wants to pick up a ball and run, for fun or glory.
The exciting new community sevens series creates fresh meaning for the summer season, with 32 existing sevens festivals becoming Qualifiers for 4 new regional England Rugby 24/Sevens Play-Off events. These ultimately feed a pinnacle 24/Sevens National Final. The Play-offs and Final event will be a vibrant mix of electric rugby and music. 24 teams will win a place at the National final.
Billingham has a long history of hosting the County Sevens competition. After a period of inactivity, the competition was re-launched in 2013 in memory of Club President and former County President Ian Brown. Previous winners include Darlington Mowden Park in 2013, and Durham University in 2014 and 2015 who are going for a hat trick this year.
Coach Chris Hyndman said, “The RFU’s recognition of this leading event in the North East calendar is a real testament to the club’s hard work.”
2016 is the year that the uniquely fast, energetic, and upbeat game of sevens properly arrives, making its debut as an Olympic class sport in Rio. While the Olympics and elite competition will shine a spotlight on the sport from above, England Rugby 24/Sevens competition will ensure the game also grows from the ground up.
Entries are now open; teams should email secretary@billinghamrugby.co.uk for details. There is a small registration fee, and prize money for winning teams. More information about the competition can be found at www.billinghamrugby.co.uk