Sevens ‘festival of fast, furious fun’ awaits Bay

SUMMER in the city is getting off to an early sporting start this December when the hugely anticipated IRB HSBC Sevens World Series cruises in to Nelson Mandela Bay for the third leg of the series on December 9 and 10.

Known for its fast-paced rugby and exciting side events the IRB HSBC World Sevens series is set to take the city by storm. 

“Our summer season kicks off – literally – quickly this year with the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens giving early bird holiday-makers the chance to mix sport and pleasure by starting their holidays off with some rock star rugby,” said Mandlakazi Skefile, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s chief executive.

Preparations for the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens are well underway with the city working closely with the South African Rugby Union (SARU, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) and the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium for the event.

“What is really exciting about preparing for the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa  Sevens is that we are able to easily implement systems that were put in place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – it’s great to see the legacy of the World Cup in action in the way we are planning for this event,” added Skefile.

SARU – impressed with the support and organisation of the recent Vodacom Tri-Nations Test in August, where Springbok mad supporters experienced some Madiba magic at play at the stadium, when the Boks beat the All Blacks – believes rugby supporters are in for another treat of top-class international rugby this December. 

“This time however, it will be the world’s best Sevens rugby players who will battle it out for the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens tournament title on December 9 and 10. The long awaited tournament promises to be a festival of fast, furious fun with on-field action and plenty of entertainment galore,” Rayaan Adriaanse, SARU’s media manager.

The international tournament is the third leg of the hugely popular HSBC IRB Sevens World Series. An exciting line-up of sideshow events promise to make the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens an “unforgettable party”, say organisers.

Organisers say rugby lovers coming in from around the country and province can expect a thrilling signing session with the international captains of each team; and the final is also marked by a spectacular fireworks display.

Sixteen countries participate in the fast-paced and hugely popular tournament which has clinched its place as a crowd puller after its inclusion as an Olympic sport from 2016.  Teams currently participating in the IRB Sevens circuit include the Arabian Gulf, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, United States, Wales, and Zimbabwe and bring with them thousands of dedicated fans.

Nelson Mandela Bay won the bid to host the South African leg of the fast-paced HSBC Sevens World Series rugby tournament for the next three years.

The local tourism industry can expect an early season boost as a result of the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens, say tourism officials.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens takes place all day on December 9 and 10. Tickets go on sale soon. For more information log onto www.sarugby.co.za.