The HSBC Sydney 7s tournament is moving from Allianz Stadium to Spotless Stadium in 2019
The HSBC Sydney 7s tournament is coming to western Sydney
Parramatta
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Rugby fans in western Sydney have received a gift with the announcement that the wildly popular HSBC Sydney 7s tournament will be heading west next year.
After three years at Allianz Stadium, the three-day competition will be played at Spotless Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park in 2019.
Held from Friday, February 1 until Sunday, February 3, the Sydney 7s will see Australia’s men’s and women’s sevens teams battle it out against the world’s best as they fight to defend their 2018 titles.
Australia’s women’s sevens co-captain Sharni Williams says the move is a huge boost for rugby in western Sydney.
“The change is pretty awesome,” Williams said.
“There’s a pretty big Polynesian population out west who love the 15 game so we’re hoping to bring them into sevens rugby.
“Don’t watch it on a screen. Get around it, embrace it, experience it live and be a part of the party.”
In a first for the tournament, next year’s Sydney 7’s will be free on the opening day of action.
“Sevens rugby is the complete package,” Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said.
“There is a genuine international flavour to the tournament which is unrivalled in sport, with fans coming from all corners of the globe to cheer on their teams.
“The major highlight of any sevens tournament anywhere in the world is seeing the passion and flair of the Fijian fans, and we know that there are large communities of Fijians and rugby fans from other island nations in western Sydney who have been waiting for the opportunity to experience the tournament in their own backyard.”
Tickets: On sale August 23, sydney7s.com.au