PLAYERS from Fiji, South Africa and Nigeria will be among those taking part in an exciting new rugby event coming to Ventnor next year, aimed at breathing new life into the sport on the Isle of Wight.

Watcombe Bottom — the home of Ventnor RFC — will be playing host to the inaugural South Island Sevens tournament over the weekend of May 21-22.

Some of the world’s best sevens teams will descend on Ventnor for two days of top professional sevens rugby.

The event was devised by Chris Fletcher, of Ventnor Rugby Club, as a way of making rugby more attractive to Islanders and, most importantly, fund the development of youth rugby on the Island.

Isle of Wight County Press: A Fijian player in action for the renowned Ramblin Jesters, of London, coming to Ventnor.A Fijian player in action for the renowned Ramblin Jesters, of London, coming to Ventnor.

The event will be quite a draw for rugby fans.

It will feature representation from Fiji, South Africa, Nigeria and the British armed forces, who will great entertainment among the 24 elite teams entered into it.

“This will be like no other rugby event held on the Island before,” said Chris.

“We would like the event to show the Island can be a great destination for elite sports, as well as provide encouragement to young players over here.

“All being well, this could develop into a bigger and better annual event year on year.”
The globally popular seven-a-side version of rugby union is fast-paced and energy-sapping, which rewards evasive running and a high degree of skill. 

Isle of Wight County Press: The South Island Sevens logo.The South Island Sevens logo.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Compeed Marlborough Nomads, based near Swindon, are signed up for the South Island Sevens.The Compeed Marlborough Nomads, based near Swindon, are signed up for the South Island Sevens.

Matches will comprise two seven-minute, hi-octane halves which will offer non-stop action to the avid fan of the format, or even the casual spectator with little knowledge of the sport.

The event is licensed for 2,000 spectators on the first day, which will see elite teams compete for the South Island Sevens Knockout Trophies and share a prize fund of £1,500.

The Sunday offers an opportunity for 24 mainland-based sides  — 12 men and 12 women — to battle it out for the Sunday Social Trophies.  

The South Island Sundaes, the Island’s representative team, will compete in the men’s social competition on Sunday.

Registration for the men’s and women’s Sunday Social events opens on New Year’s Day, to co-incide with the launch of the event website. 

The cost of entry will be £100 per team.

For the Saturday, tickets cost £8.50. Under-17s go in free. Free entry for all on the Sunday.