29/04 Future Stars in inaugural National academy 7’s at Newbury
April 29, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
April 27 2009
FUTURE STARS IN INAUGURAL NATIONAL ACADEMY SEVENS
FUTURE rugby stars are taking part in a brand new, innovative tournament set to become a big date on the rugby calendar in coming years.
The National Academy Sevens takes place on Saturday May 9 at Newbury RFC and will see 16 teams from across the UK battling for the Futures Cup.
It is the brainchild of Henley RFC rugby director Jason Forster, the former Wales international back-row, who has received support for the rugby spectrum.
The National Academy Sevens, targeting the Under-19 age group, is also aimed at a growing and vibrant seven-a-side rugby global scene which has witnessed the shortened version of the game grow in amazing popularity.
And it is attracting some big names already. Heineken Cup semi-finalists Leicester, for example, will be one of the 16 clubs and regions to send a team to the event which starts at 11am.
Also, some members of Wales’ World Cup-winning squad, who lifted the trophy in Dubai by beating Argentina in the final last month, are set to make an appearance at Newbury.
Forster said: “First and foremost, I’d like to thank Newbury RFC for hosting this inaugural National Academy Sevens which will only get bigger and better as the years progress.
“There are a lot of sevens tournaments that take place around the country but what I want to specifically do is target a certain area.
“There does not seem to be a great deal for the Under-19 age group. They just seem to train all the time so this is a day dedicated to them, to showcase their talent and see who is the best Under-19 Academy around the UK at the moment.”
This year’s tournament will see nine Guinness Premiership teams and two of the Welsh regional sides entering squads, while five National League One add extra spice.
Yet, this is only the tip of the iceberg, said Forster. He added: “We have nine of the Premiership sides and all of them have indicated they will come in next year, likewise with the Welsh regional sides.
“Hopefully, it will grow and attract the Scottish and Irish regional sides and their academies and then, who knows where it will go. We hope it will grow internationally.
“The focus on the day belongs to these youngsters and it is also an opportunity for the coaches around the country to assess the talent that is coming through at that level.”
Forster has some vastly-experienced help in ensuring the National Academy Sevens is a roaring success.
The Rugby Football Union have given their blessing, while Tony McArthur, the man behind the legendary Henley Sevens which was one of the great ‘days out’ in rugby for years and went international themselves in the last 1990s when Fiji entered a side.
“I have got Tony on-boarded helping me out and also John Fletcher, who is with the England Under-18 side, is very keen on getting this off the ground.”
The competition has been put together in a matter of a few short months, but Forster added: “We will have 12 months to organise after this one on May 9 so it will go from strength to strength.”
Tickets for the day cost £10 (adults) with concessions for children, OAPs and families.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Jason Forster, please contact Gary Baker, Wales and West Media, Newport, South Wales. Tel: 07803 974491. E-mail: garybaker@walesandwest.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
Newbury RFC is situated at Monks Lane, Newbury, Berkshire (telephone: 01635 40103) and easily accessible by car from Junction 13 of the M4 motorway.
Directions
By car from Junction 13, M4 (source: Google Maps)
Head south on the A34 for six-and-a-half miles.
Take the A343 exit towards Highclere
At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A343 (Andover Road/Sandpit Hill) and continue on that road for around one-and-a-half miles
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Monks Lane and, after 200 metres, turn right into Newbury RFC
By train
There are regular mainline services from all parts of the country to Newbury town centre where you can catch a bus or taxi to Newbury RFC.
Suggested services (source. www.nationalrail.co.uk)
From London
08.18am (London Paddington to Exeter St Davids). Direct service arriving at Newbury 09.12am
08.30am (London Paddington to Bristol). Change at Reading onto the 09.11am Reading to Newbury service. Arrives Newbury at 09.42am.
09.18am (London to Bedwyn). Direct service arrving at Newbury at 10.10am.
From the north (times from Birmingham)
07.04 (Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth). Change at Reading onto the 08.48am London Paddington to Exter St Davids. Arriving at Newbury at 09.12am
08.04am (Birmingham New Street to Reading). Change at Reading onto the 09.48am London Paddington to Bedwyn service. Arrving at Newbury at 10.10am
From the south (times from Bristol Temple Meads/Bristol Parkway)
07.30am from Bristol Temple Meads (Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington). Change at Reading onto the 09.11am train to Newbury. Arriving at Newbury at 09.42am
07.50am from Bristol Temple Meads (Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington). Change at Reading onto the 09.48am London Paddington to Bedwyn service. Arrving at Newbury at 10.10am
08.05 from Bristol Parkway (Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington). Change at Reading onto the 09.48am London Paddington to Bedwyn service. Arrving at Newbury at 10.10am
By bus to ground (from Newbury)
Service number 3A (Newbury bus station). Destination: Greenham Monks Surgery. 9.25am and every hour afterwards. Ten minutes journey (ie: 10.25am reaches Newbury RFC at 10.35am)
ends.
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