New Format for Singapore Cricket Club Int. Rugby 7s Tournament

A new format has been unveiled for the Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby 7s.

For the first time ever, the competition will be staged over three days and nights, with the first round of games being played under floodlights on the Padang on Friday, 5 November.

An expanded pool of 28 teams, including some of the finest international and invitational rugby teams from across the world, will compete for the Ablitt Cup.

Another debut on the first day of the tournament will be the first SCC 7s women’s competition, with Singapore competing against national teams from around the region.

Peter Hutton, Chairman, SCC Rugby 7s Organising Committee, said, “Interest in rugby is growing, with a record number of women and schools taking part and we therefore felt the time was right to expand the SCC 7s, in terms of teams, categories and, indeed, length. With the tournament renowned for its pitchside party and carnival atmosphere, we are sure that Singaporeans will look forward to this year’s event more than ever before, regardless of their familiarity with rugby.”

The 63rd edition of Singapore’s oldest sports tournament will be contested by 28 teams - four more than participated in 2009. Top teams who have confirmed their participation include champions for the past three years, the SA Vipers (the South Africa national squad), HSBC Penguins, one of the world’s premier invitation squads, and Fiji’s leading club Devatelavu, who finished runners-up in 2008 and 2009. In addition, national squads from Japan, USA, Hong Kong, Namibia and Sweden will compete.

The first SCC 7s women’s international tournament will provide the perfect preparation for teams competing in November’s Asia Games. Singapore will test themselves against six teams, including Japan, Malaysia and Iran.

The National Schools and Colleges titles will be contested at the SCC 7s for the first time, with a total of 32 schools vying for crowns in the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 19 Categories.

StarHub will screen the final matches live, including the Ablitt Cup Final, on Sunday, 7 November, on SuperSports Arena (StarHub TV Channel 201).

The 2010 SCC 7s will take place from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 November, at a purpose built festival arena at the Padang, capable of holding over 7,000 fans.

In addition to seeing international rugby 7s compete, fans can revel in the festival atmosphere of the pitchside party. Live music, F&B outlets and the pitch-wide Guinness bar bring the party directly into stands, ensuring spectators can drink and dance without missing a single tackle or try.

The SCC 7s village will also include a children’s playground and warm-up viewing area where fans can get up close and personal with the players. Tickets are now on sale for $50 for the three days for an adult, and $25 for the three days for under-18s.

See: HD Videos from the 2010 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

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