TEAMS from across Swindon will get the opportunity this summer to take part in a ground-breaking nationwide sevens competition and battle it out to win a place in July’s National finals day at Bath Rugby’s Recreation Ground.

More than 6,000 sevens players are expected to participate in England Rugby’s 24/Sevens competition, with 38 local qualifiers kicking off throughout May and June.

The Swindon 7s will take place on June 24-25 at Swindon RFC, with men and women’s sevens teams and community clubs able to enter the ‘Open’ tier, while a ‘Social’ tier will also exist to ensure all-comers are welcome at the event.

Sevens rugby is a key part of England Rugby’s work with Sport England, broadening high quality playing opportunities for all players.

The competition will culminate in a showpiece national final event, hosted by England Rugby, at The Recreation Ground in Bath on July 29.

RFU Development Director Steve Grainger said: “Over 6,000 players took part in the inaugural 24/Sevens competition in 2016.

“This year, we are broadening the competition’s reach and capacity to cater for an even wider range of playing levels with the new tiered competition structure.

“Sevens is an exciting format of rugby that can be played not only by sevens specific players but also by anyone that does or has played fifteen-a-side rugby and players who are new to contact rugby.

  •  England Rugby 24/Sevens, an exciting grassroots sevens competition for all rugby teams, welcoming anyone who just wants to pick up a ball and run, for fun or glory. Visit englandrugby.com/24sevens to get involved