Premiership Rugby 7s to kick off in Cardiff

Wales will host the opening games of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in an exciting afternoon of summer rugby.

On Saturday 15 August the home of the Cardiff Blues will be the first to kick off this year's tournament – now in its sixth year – with the Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons and Scarlets all battling it out in back-to-back games.

Two of the four Welsh regional sides will then qualifying for the Series Final at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday 28 August 2015.

To celebrate the announcement that the high profile competition will open in Wales, a special 7-day ticket offer has been launched with £5 ‘early bird’ tickets now available for the big event.

The special ticket offer is valid now until midday Wednesday 17th June 2015 at each of the four ticket offices - Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons and Scarlets.

The popular summer rugby event which kicks off at the family friendly time of 3.15pm on Saturday 15th August is expected to bring in a big crowd to enjoy a festival atmosphere packed with exciting Welsh derby action. 

“We are delighted to see the four Welsh Regions back in this blue riband event,” said Premiership Rugby Chief Executive Mark McCafferty.

“They were a welcome addition to the 12 Premiership Rugby clubs last season with Newport Gwent Dragons making the Final, where they lost a wonderful exhibition of 7s to Gloucester Rugby.”

Premiership Rugby can also confirm that all four group stages of the Premiership Rugby 7s and the Series Final will be covered live on BT Sport. 

Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues qualified from the Welsh stage to compete in the final held at Harlequins home ground, The Stoop - with Gloucester Rugby crowned the 2014 champions.

With the Premiership 7s series now in its 6th year, the partnership between Premiership Rugby and Pro Rugby Wales continues after last year's successful event. 

Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales Mark Davies said; "Last year's event saw six thrilling derby clashes in a unique Welsh leg of the competition that excited crowds in the heart of the capital at the iconic BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

“We're delighted to be part of this exciting 7s competition once again this summer after very positive feedback from supporters, players and rugby management teams.

"It's great to see the pace and ambition of young, developing players in action in a game that demands a lot physically. The fun and excitement of the 7s game shows the spirit of partnership we have with the English clubs and our sponsor BT Sport to support a game which is becoming increasingly popular and high profile as an Olympic Sport in 2016.

"Once again it will give us as the chance to see regional rugby's brightest rising stars. It's a fast, quick game with lots of running rugby that the entire Welsh support base loves. We've got strong 7s rugby at junior level and it's something we want to support and develop further.”

Chief Executive of the Cardiff Blues Richard Holland added: "We are delighted to be hosting the Welsh leg of the Premiership 7s at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park with our main sponsor BT Sport as host broadcaster here in the heart of the capital.

“We expect a great atmosphere and a packed family audience to support the four Welsh sides – there’s lots planned for a great day out at our ground and it’s exciting for the Cardiff Blues to be hosting such an established and credible competition."

After 17th June 2015, tickets will be priced £10 for adults, £5 for season ticket holders and £5 for all U16s.

The 2014 Premiership Rugby 7s Series is split into four qualifying group stages, and a Series Final, contested by all 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs and the four Welsh Regions.

This is the only 7s event where you can watch the Aviva Premiership Rugby sides battle against one another.

After the Wales leg the Series moves to England with Gloucester Rugby hosting Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, and London Irish in Group B. Twenty four hours later Group C features Harlequins, Northampton Saints, Saracens, Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.

Completing the group stages on Saturday 22 August at Kingston Park, Newcastle are Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors who will take on the hosts Newcastle Falcons for a place in the Series Final in Group D.

Group A

Saturday 15 August – BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park

Cardiff Blues

Newport Gwent Dragons

Ospreys

Scarlets

 

Group B

Thursday 20 August - Kingsholm, Gloucester

Bath Rugby

Exeter Chiefs

Gloucester Rugby

London Irish

 

Group C

Friday 21 August - Ricoh Stadium, Coventry

Harlequins

Northampton Saints

Saracens

Wasps

 

Group D

Saturday, 22 August - Kingston Park, Newcastle

Leicester Tigers

Worcester Warriors

Newcastle Falcons

Sale Sharks

 

Series Final

Friday 28 August, Twickenham Stoop

 

Tickets for all events in the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series are now on sale from the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office, online at ospreysrugby.com/buytickets or call 0844 815 6665.