Huge number of Rugby Sevens tournaments starting across Australia due to popularity of Olympic Sport

from UR7s.com:

Women’s Rugby Sevens competitions are taking place across the country as the rising popularity of the new Olympic sport continues to spread.

Competitions kicked off in Queensland, Western Australia, NSW and Newcastle earlier in February this year, while Victoria’s launched in early March.

Each series, which encouraged individuals, teams and existing Clubs to sign up, kicked off with a sign on day and sessions to develop skills and understanding of the game.

With an emphasis on Under 18 and senior age groups, the new competitions hope to expand the game of Rugby Sevens by engaging the mounting interest in the sport whilst providing increased chances for women to try their hand at the fast-paced and exciting game.

From these new competitions, women also have the chance to be selected to compete at the National Championships which will be held from Friday 12th April – Sunday 14th April 2013.

Such new initiatives across the country will create improved access and opportunity for the next generation of Olympians, encouraging more women to join the Pathway to Gold ahead of Rugby Sevens’ debut in Rio in 2016.

The new competitions also provide women across the country with a different recreational sport to play and support the development and expansion of State and National Women’s Rugby Sevens teams and regional Rugby Sevens competitions.

NSW Rugby Community Rugby Operations Manager Mike Doyle says he anticipates the NSW competition will unearth some new female talent.

“The new Summer Sevens Series is an outstanding transition for participants that started the journey last year at the Pathway to Gold trials in Silverwater, and extended to a four week skills and drills clinic.

“This series will give our Development staff the opportunity to provide a positive learning environment to these outstanding athletes from non-rugby backgrounds such as netball, football, hockey and many other sporting backgrounds” said Doyle.

“This program will provide the player’s access to regular Sevens Rugby, along with offering a platform for NSW Sevens coaches to scout potential talent for the state squads that will compete in the National Women’s Sevens Championship, being held in April in Sydney.”

Details and contacts of each of the current Women’s Rugby Sevens competitions are listed below for anyone interested in getting involved.

Western Australia held sessions in November and December last year, which included core skill based training. Rugby Sevens games have taken place in Western Australia from 5 – 21 February, which will finish with a tournament this weekend from 23rd – 24th February.

To register your interest for the Western Australia program contact Andrew Hill at Andrew.hill@rugbywa.com.au

Ballymore Women’s Sevens Series, Queensland
Venue: Ballymore – 231 Butterfield Street, Herston
Time: 9.00am – 12noon
• Saturday 2nd February – Sign on Day & Skills Session
• Saturday 16th February – Round 1
• Saturday 2nd March – Round 2
• Saturday 16th March – Round 3
• Saturday 23rd March – Round 4

To register your interest for the Queensland program contact Rob Donaghue at Robert.donaghue@qru.com.au

The Hunter Women’s Rugby Union Week of Sevens
Venue: Hawkins Oval, Wickham
Time: 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Tuesday 5th February
• Tuesday 12th February
• Tuesday 19th February
• Tuesday 26th February
• Tuesday 5th March
• Tuesday 12th March
• Tuesday 19th March

To register your interest for the Newcastle program contact Matthew Johnston at Matthew.Johnston@rugby.com.au

NSW Rugby Women’s Summer Sevens Series
Venue: Eastwood Rugby Ground
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
• Wednesday 6th Feb – Sign on day, Skills session & grading games
• Wednesday 13th Feb – Round 1
• Wednesday 20th Feb – Round 2
• Wednesday 27th Feb – Round 3
• Wednesday 6th March – Round 4
• Wednesday 13th March – Round 5

To register your interest for the NSW program contact Adam Crane at adam.crane@rugby.com.au

Victoria’s Super 7s Club Competition
Venue: TBC
Time: TBC
• Saturday 9th March – Introduction, training / sign on day, 10.00am – 1.00pm
• Saturday 16th March – Round 1
• Saturday 23rd March – Round 2
• Saturday 6th April – Round 3
• Saturday 27th April – Round 4
• Saturday 4th May – Round 5
• Saturday 11th May – Round 6
• Saturday 18th May – Round 7

To register your interest for the Victorian program contact Tyronne Mitchell at tyronne.mitchell@vicrugby.com.au