The national Rugby 7’s sides from Italy, Germany, Jamaica and Norway will be coming to Dublin next month to take part in the inaugural Dublin 7s Festival at Donnybrook.
They will be joined by the Samurai International team and European heavyweight clubs Ulster, Biarritz and London Wasps.
The festival will also boast a domestic competition with current AIL Champions, Lansdowne FC taking on Old Belvedere, UCD, Trinity College, St Mary’s, Bective Rangers, Blackrock College and Old Wesley.
The event is planned to be a real mix of top class sport and entertainment with live music, DJ sets, a family fun zone, artisan food stalls and a craft beer zone featuring some of Ireland’s top brewers.
Speaking about the team announcements, organiser Brian McDermott commented:
“Some of the most talented and exciting teams in the world have confirmed for the Dublin 7s Festival and the addition of Samurai International and the Jamaican national team only adds to the excitement,” said tournament organiser Brian McDermott.
“It’s more than just rugby, we’ve gathered the best in music, food, family entertainment and craft beer. Whether you’re a rugby fanatic or just learning about the game we have you covered.”
Rugby 7’s look set for a major boost in popularity with their inclusion in the Olympic Games and Ireland will get a further taste of the excitement on offer when UCD hosts the Olympic Repechage tournament in the Belfield Bowl on June 25th and 26th.
Club Festivals have proven popular social events around the world. A high profile tournament has been hosted at Thomond Park in Limerick for the past two years though there is no indication yet on whether that will be repeated in 2016.
