Exeter 7s back for 2018
By Mark Stevens
26/6/18
Exeter will once again be in Sevens Heaven as the Devon city prepares to welcome back the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s to Sandy Park for the fourth year in a row.
Part of Rugby Europe’s Grand Prix Sevens Series, the hugely popular event at Sandy Park – staged over the weekend of July 7 & 8 – is set to be even bigger and better with a wealth of rugby and entertainment on offer for spectators.
With thousands of rugby fans of all ages expected to descend on the home of the Exeter Chiefs, this year’s event – which welcomes the following countries Ireland, Spain, Poland, Germany, Georgia, Russia, Portugal, Italy, Sweden and England – carries added significance with it being the last time they will be able to watch the England Sevens team in action before a number of them compete in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco just two weeks later.
As the penultimate stage of the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series, the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens will follow earlier events in both Clermont (30 June-1 July) and Moscow (19-20 May), as well as all ten tournaments on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
“There is something very special about playing in a home tournament,” said England Sevens head coach Simon Amor. “The guys are fortunate to play in tournaments all around the world, but when it comes to the amount of support they get when playing in places like Exeter and London it really does make all the difference.
“This is event is at a pivotal time in our season and the team will want make England proud one last time before heading to San Francisco.”
As well as all the on-field action provided by the 12 European countries competing, off the field there is a glut of food, drink, entertainment and activities available in the Fan Zone to keep supporters occupied during over the whole two days.
Local band ‘Reckless’ along with a Disco will entertain fans throughout the course of Saturday, while also on offer to those attending the Sevens will be the opportunity to sample some of region’s top tipples at the Real Ale and Cider Festival, which will once again run alongside the rugby weekend.
Finally, if you’re looking to really get into the spirit and fun of the weekend, why not embrace the Cowboys and Indians fancy dress theme, with a selection of prizes on offer for the most creative costumes.
With 18 matches to watch on Day One, the action gets underway from 11:30am with a similar start time on Day Two, where not only will the Exeter 7s champions be crowned, but the presentation for the overall winners of the Grand Prix Series will also be carried out.
Tickets for the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s, which includes unreserved seating in the West Grandstand, start from just £10 and can be purchased by clicking here