Kinsale Gearing Up To Be Biggest Ever.

This years Event has attracted more than 60 teams from different countries including England, Fiji and Moldova. It’s the best line up ever. Among the teams Making their debut in Kinsale this year are 2 sides from Conneticut, USA – Hartford Wanderers and HARP – as well as a new side from Fiji, Global Babaas. The Babaas are traveling 12,000 miles to play at the Heineken Kinsale Sevens.

Tournament Director Ronan Kett said, “It is also very gratifying to see so many sides returning again, particularly after last years break, including Samurais and Marauders, long time favourite invitation sides, together with the colourful South Sea Drifters from Fiji.”
“This year also sees an important in Sevens rugby in Ireland – in association with I.R.F.U. we are launching a new All-Ireland U-20s Sevens Finals .. This, I believe, will provide in the years ahead, an important stage for development players and emerging rugby stars of the future. Sevens Rugby is growing in importance and stature within the family of Rugby Union. Indeed the U-20’s competition can be a precursor for further developments and success for Irish Rugby as well as Heineken Kinsale Sevens in the future.”

The attractive prizes, worth 18,000 in total, are sure to give patrons and sport fans alike, the opportunity to watch top class games of running rugby.
Kett also paid tibute to those involved in the on the day running of the event. “Our thanks go to the Munster Association of Referees, who are providing referees throughout the weekend. Also, with so many players & teams participating, to the Kinsale Red Cross who will be providing assistance with Medical Cover. Kinsale Civil Defence will provide valuable assistance to Kinsale RFC in Logistics over the weekend.”

FIVE STAR Corporate Hospitality will be available exclusively at the Clubhouse with a veranda overlooking the number 1 pitch, offering a combination of Kinsale hospitality and its fine culinary tradition. It also provides an opportunity for companies to maintain business activities via corporate
entertainment, combined with all the benefits of a well run special event and the added attraction of meeting some Star Rugby Players.
Canterbury of New Zealand have launched a special signature range of top quality clothing for the event. Canterbury, known as the world’s toughest activwewear, is the largest dedicated rugby apparel company world-wide. The signature range for patrons and rugby supporters to buy includes caps, polo shirts, T-shirts, fleece jackets, anoraks and 3 special designs of rugby shirts. Over the weekend this range will be on sale excusively at the Canterbury Shop at the Event.

A crucial aspect of the weekend for visitors is the requirement for ID and Kett explains why, “We ask all visitors to the Tournament grounds at Snugmore and also to the town off Kinsale to appreciate and respect all the amenities and facilities in the area.
To this end, we ask that all our visitors and patrons bring with them current ID ( eg your current driver’s licence ) and register as a Friend of Heineken Kinsale Sevens at the Registration Desk at the Tournament grounds on Friday to Sunday and also at the Registration Office, on Main Street, Kinsale, on Saturday and Sunday evening. You can then enjoy the full facilities and hospitality over the weekend.”
Those who register are issued with a plastic wristband without which you cannot, for example, buy alcohol.