THE RICOH has been chosen to host the final of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s when eight top teams will go head-to-head to battle for the crown this summer.
This year’s Series will kick off in Cardiff before visiting Exeter Chiefs, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons, with the Series Final at the Ricoh Arena on August 6.
The announcement will not only draw a large crowd to the city and a large television audience but also provides a major boost for the City of Rugby initiative that was launched to establish Coventry as one of the leading cities in the world for the game of rugby.
“Holding these types of events in Coventry can only help to develop interest in the game and driving up participation, whether that’s playing, coaching or volunteering,” said David Armstrong, chief executive of Wasps.
“The final promises to have a fun, party atmosphere as fans from all over the country will be keen to see how their team is shaping up ahead of the first league game.”
The 2015 Champions Newport Gwent Dragons will kick off the 2016 series on 22 July as the four Welsh Pro teams go head-to-head in an exciting afternoon of summer derby rugby at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
The series will continue the following day when Wasps travel down to Sandy Park to take on the Exeter Chiefs in what will be the first time a 7s game has been hosted at the venue.
A week later, the 7s will return to Franklin’s Gardens on 29 July with the last group action at Kingston Park on 30 July.
Phil Winstanley, Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby, added: “The 7s Series kicked off in 2010 and since then it has become a date to look forward to in the rugby calendar.
“Last year’s final was won with a try in the last second of the final game between Wasps and Newport Gwent Dragons and we can expect this year’s series to be just as exciting.”
Tickets for the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series final are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, and can be bought at half price throughout May bu visiting www.wasps.co.uk.
