Darwin’s famous Hottest 7s rugby carnival axed for 2025 due to ‘funding constraints’
`Funding constraints’ have forced the postponement of an annual showcase event until at least early next year. Details here.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Darwin’s iconic Rugby 7s tournament will not go ahead this year.
A multi-day event that draws in teams from around the nation and Fiji, the Hottest 7s in the World, originally scheduled for September, has officially been postponed till 2026 during the Australia Day long weekend.
A statement made by the Northern Territory Rugby Union put the postponement of the carnival down to ‘funding constraints’.
“Northern Territory Rugby Union advises that the 2025 Hottest Sevens in the World, originally scheduled for September, has been postponed due to funding constraints,” the post read.
“This decision has not been made lightly, and we acknowledge the disappointment this may cause to teams, officials, supporters, and our broader rugby community both local and interstate who were eagerly anticipating the event.
“We are currently working through alternative arrangements, with a tentative new date set for the Australia Day long weekend in January 2026.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause and thank all of our partners, sponsors, and participants for their continued support and understanding.”
NTRU general manager Danila Lochrin echoed the statement, saying the decision was unfortunate.
“Due to funding we ended up having to change the dates,” she said.
“It will now go back to its original time in January and we have heard positive feedback already about this change.”
Fortunately the change of dates won’t impact any travelling sides as no one had been confirmed.
“We had only put out expressions of interest to the teams, so fortunately this won’t impact them financially,” Lochrin said.
Further updates on the tournament will be provided once details are confirmed.
More Coverage
Originally published as Darwin’s famous Hottest 7s rugby carnival axed for 2025 due to ‘funding constraints’
‘Not good enough’: Alleged NT child rape case drags on
Despite sitting on the case for almost six months, prosecutors are yet to table evidence against an alleged child rapist, with a Darwin-based Judge telling the prosecution to get a move on and deliver the outstanding material.
‘Surreal’: Territory cyclist to represent Australia at World Champs
A Territory cyclist has earned selection to represent Australia at the world champs with the support of the Top End community pushing him on the track and through his mental health battles.