The Heineken 7s replaces the Foster’s 7s and will now take place at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 27 May rather than BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Llandovery will defend their treble title, with all 16 Principality Premiership sides competing, while the four Regional Women’s sides will also compete for the national title, currently held by the Dragons.
WRU Head of Rugby Performance Geraint John said, “We changed the date of the tournament following discussion with the Premiership clubs and in view of the international sevens schedule.
“At the end of August, Premiership sides are focussed on the start of the 15-a-side season, whereas at the end of May, they can concentrate on sevens, albeit for a short time.
“Also, by September, our national sevens coaches are close to finalising their squad for the World Series but by holding the Heineken 7s at the end of May, players will have a chance to impress the coaches to claim a place in the squad for the Rugby Europe sevens tournaments in June and July and from there, they could well be selected for the World Series.
“We have already seen in the likes of Steff Andrews and Jack Maynard, that players who impress at this tournament can go onto play for Wales Sevens, and moving the date of the event should accelerate that process.
“We will hopefully compete at the Commonwealth Games next year – with female as well as male teams – and we have the Rugby World Cup Sevens next year too.
“This tournament could be the start of a very exciting process for both men and women involved.”
Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby said: “Sevens is a fantastic way of getting people involved in rugby as it’s fast-paced and full of action and it has built up a huge following since its inaugural appearance in last summer’s Olympics, a tournament where our very own James Davies came away with a silver medal as part of Team GB.
“The Heineken 7s tournament, at its new location here at Parc y Scarlets, will bring a fantastic season to a close but will also kick-start what is promising to be a thrilling summer of rugby. We’re delighted to host the new-look Heineken 7s, a hugely attractive competition for all Premiership clubs.
“Llandovery will be making their way here as current title holders and we sincerely hope that the Heineken 7s trophies will remain here in West Wales!”
Tickets for the day long event are on sale here now (tickets.scarlets.wales or by calling 0871 871 8088
There is a special offer available for participating teams including a coach to and from the event from their home club. For £15 per person (based on minimum of 49 people), they will receive club seats and access to the Quinnell Lounge as well as coach travel.
See www.scarlets.wales for more info, book via the Scarlets Ticket Office on 0871 871 8088 or contact your participating club or supporters’ club.
