The Dragons continue to embrace their region and will host the inaugural Men of Gwent 7s tournament which is being sponsored by Uskmouth Power. Clubs throughout The Dragons region have been invited to the tournament that takes place at Rodney Parade on Sunday 12th August and at stake is £1,000 prize money for the winner.
The Dragons have good relationships which continue to grow with clubs in their region and the tournament is an extension and progression of that. The Dragons are the first region to host a 7s tournament which is an extension of the annual Family Fun Day.
"The clubs that were invited to take part in the tournament were very keen to be involved and we see it as another part of our working relationship with them," commented Rugby Manager Jim McCreedy. "We had a launch in June and were pleased that clubs sent representatives. The feedback from them has been very positive and there is sure to be lots of rivalry on the day with each club keen to prove they have what it takes to win the first Uskmouth Power Men of Gwent 7s title."
Each team has been seeded according to their final league position of last season and kicking off the tournament at 12noon will be The Dragons academy and Caerphilly. In total there will be 12 pool matches before the two semi finals.
"The Uskmouth Power Men of Gwent 7s tournament is a great initiative for clubs in the region to get involved with," said Bedwas coach Steve Law. "At Bedwas we are delighted to be taking part and it is a good start to our season. It will allow the coaching staff to watch players and there will be the added intensity of each club wanting to prove they are the top club in Gwent in 7s rugby. The Dragons have worked hard on building relationships with clubs in the region and often they do not get the credit they deserve for this. The 7s tournament is a continuation of their efforts which sees tickets sent to all clubs in the region for home games, the match day experience where youngsters are invited to a game and form the guard of honour and the adopt a club initiative – all in all The Dragons are doing everything they can to embrace the region and their efforts are appreciated by the clubs."
The Dragons are delighted to announce that thanks to the sponsorship by Uskmouth Power kids will now be able to watch the tournament free of charge. This means that children can watch 15 matches for nothing while an adult ticket is just £5! There is also the last opportunity for supporters to purchase season tickets at the early bird prices. As well as all the rugby to enjoy there will be entertainment for all the family with bouncy castles, face painting plus Elvis will be making guest appearances throughout the day!
Speaking on the announcement event organise Phil James said, "Thanks to the generosity of official sponsors Uskmouth Power we are able to allow youngsters to watch the 7s tournament without charge. 7s tournaments always provide exciting rugby and I am sure that the event will be well attended. Adults can watch the 15 games plus the mini final for just £5 and everyone will be guaranteed an entertaining afternoon of rugby showcasing the talent that exists in our region."
The 7s tournament will feature a Dragons Academy side, Newport, NHSOB, Ebbw Vale, Newbridge, Caerphilly, Bedwas, Abergavenny, Pontypool Utd, Cross Keys. Newport Saracens and Pill Harriers.
Coach of Abergavenny Gareth Taylor said, "I enjoyed a long spell at Rodney Parade and am looking forward to returning in a coaching capacity with Abergavenny. The 7s tournament forms an important part of our pre season work and I know the squad are relishing the competition and playing on the best pitch in Welsh rugby and having the opportunity to play at the regional home. I know The Dragons are keen to repeat this tournament year on year and I am sure it will grow to become an important date in the rugby calendar for clubs in the area. With £1,000 at stake for the winner no club is taking it lightly and it is set to be a great afternoon of rugby for everyone, all we need now is for the sun to shine!"
Uskmouth Power Men of Gwent Sevens Seedings
Dragons academy (1)
Ebbw Vale (2)
Newport (3)
Bedwas (4)
Cross Keys (5)
Newbridge (6)
Newport Saracens (7)
Caerphilly (8)
Pill Harriers (9)
Abergavenny (10)
NHSOB (11)
Pontypool Utd (12)
