The fifth annual Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens rugby tournament is set to kick-start the summer season with entertainment for the whole family on December 3 and 4.
The largest rugby participation event in Africa will see 1 200 players descend on Andrew Rabie High School in Port Elizabeth next Friday and Saturday in a battle of guts and glory.
Tournament organiser Laurence Finn said the tournament had drawn numerous national and international players over the years, with the Vipers (Emerging Springboks) among the former champions.
“The event also has a reputation for showcasing future stars,” he said. Sevens Springbok and EP Kings wing Norman Nelson is a former Player of the Tournament and Top Try Scorer.
High school teams will take on defending champions Brandwag and Daniel Pienaar in the hotly contested U/15 and U/19 categories respectively. Progress, the Uitenhage-based Eastern Province Grand Challenge club champions, will head the open section.
“As always, the old boys’ teams will feature former Springbok, Super 14 and Currie Cup players,” said Finn. The eight teams will tackle each other in an exciting 10-man format.
Finn said the corporate touch rugby component had once again proved popular.
The Castle beer tent will provide welcome relief – as well as live entertainment – for those who will be working up a sweat from the sidelines.
In addition, the latest model cars will be on show and visitors will be able to browse through a variety of retail and food stalls.
One of the biggest adventure zones ever in the Eastern Cape – complete with a climbing wall, giant slide, electronic paintball and mechanical bull – will keep youngsters occupied.
The Nashua skydiving team is scheduled to add to the excitement by making the main field their drop zone on Saturday at 3pm.
Each day’s play starts at 9am with the last game finishing around 7pm. Entrance fees are R30 for adults and R10 for scholars.
The prize-giving will take place on Saturday evening and R90 000 worth of Puma gear and other sporting prizes will be up for grabs.
National television coverage will be provided by Supersport and SABC Sport, with live radio crossings courtesy of Bay FM.
From this feast of rugby, fans can follow the Garden Route to George where the South African leg of the IRB Sevens World Series will be played on December 10 and 11.
For more information on the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens, phone Laurence on 084 507 3175, send an e-mail to laurence@axxess.co.za or visit www.bay7s.com.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
082 575 7991
041 368 4992
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens