Wales’ four regions have pledged to put on “a festival of rugby†after confirming they are to take part in this summer’s Premiership Rugby 7s series.
The Blues, Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys will form a fourth pool to go with the three made up of top English clubs for the event which will take place at the end of July and the beginning of August.
The Welsh teams will kick off the competition, battling it out at the newly re-branded BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, July 26.
The top two regions will then qualify for the eight-team Series final, which will be held at The Stoop on August 8, with the winners going on to play in the World Club 7s at Twickenham on August 16-17.
Gallery: Regional Rugby Wales announce partnership with BT Sport
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Their involvement in the popular Sevens tournament, which is now in its fifth year, is a further spin-off from their sponsorship tie-up with BT Sport, who will broadcast all four group stages and the Series final live.
Mark Davies, acting chief executive of Regional Rugby Wales, said:
“We know for sure Anglo-Welsh rugby contests ignite plenty of excitement and passion among our supporters and we hope our involvement will add a real edge to the event.
“We will create a festival of rugby on July 26 in Cardiff, showcasing not only the professional game in Wales but also the investment and progress being made in age-grade rugby and the women’s game.
“The regions have never played each other in a sevens tournament before, so there is a lot of pride at stake as well the opportunity of a place in the Series Final and the chance to be part of what will be a very big family occasion up at the World Club 7s at Twickenham in August.
“Having announced our exciting three-year sponsorship agreement with BT Sport this week as well, it shows we have a positive partnership that will go forward between BT Sport and our four Welsh regions.â€
The three English pools have been drawn up on a geographical basis.
On the evening of Thursday, July 31, Bath, Gloucester, Exeter and London Irish will lock horns at Kingsholm.
Then the following night, Harlequins, Wasps, Northampton and Saracens will be in action at Franklin’s Gardens, ahead of Leicester, Sale, Newcastle and Worcester going up against each other at Kingston Park on Saturday, August 2.
As with the Welsh group, which will be played out on the artificial Arms Park surface, each team will have three matches.
Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland commented: “Sevens is a fantastic and exciting game to watch and we are delighted and proud to play host to what will be a great all-Welsh festival of summer rugby.
“The 7s comes to our home just a few weeks after hosting the Amlin Cup Final at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park. We look forward to welcoming everyone.
“It’s a great opportunity for our supporters to see our regional teams in action over the summer and we hope the Welsh teams will bring real quality and flair to the competition.â€
The top two from each pool will progress to the series final, which will be staged at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday, August 8.
Welcoming the Welsh teams on board, Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said: “The bond between the Premiership Rugby clubs and our friends in the Welsh regions gets stronger every year.
“I am delighted therefore to confirm that they will take part in the Premiership Rugby 7s.
“The tournament has grown each year and the participation of the Welsh regions will take it to a new level.â€
Conformation of the Welsh involvement comes in the wake of the announcement of the regions’ lucrative link up with BT Sport.
As part of a three-year deal worth an estimated £4.5m, BT will become shirt sponsors for the Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys, as well as taking on the naming rights for the Blues’ iconic Arms Park home.
Group A
Saturday, July 26
BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park
Teams: Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets
Group B
Thursday, July 31
Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
Teams: Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester Rugby, London Irish
Group C
Friday, August 1
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Teams: Harlequins, London Wasps, Northampton Saints and Saracens
Group D
Saturday, August 2
Kingston Park, Newcastle
Teams: Leicester Tigers, Newcastle Falcons, Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors
SERIES FINAL
Friday, August 8
Two qualifiers from each Group
The Twickenham Stoop
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Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24559827
Regions promise a "festival of rugby" as they join English clubs in Anglo ...
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