The future Olympic sport of rugby sevens is coming to Saratoga Springs in the summer of 2014.
The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau said the Saratoga Sevens Rugby Invitational tournament will be held on July 19 and will attract top-level club teams from the United States and internationally to coincide with the opening weekend of horse racing.
The 24-team tournament is part of the bureau’s efforts mark Saratoga Springs as a burgeoning sport destination.
It will be comprised of:
• An eight-team Women’s Elite NRU National Qualifier, competing for the Schuyler Cup.
• An eight-team Men’s NERFU Cup Series, competing for the Saratoga Cup.
• An eight-team Men’s Open Division, competing for the Harpoon Cup.
Saratoga Rugby Club will work closely with the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau and newly formed Saratoga County Sports Commission to provide the best experience for the visiting teams.
“We are thrilled to be working with Eric and everyone at Saratoga Rugby Club to bring another new and exciting event to Saratoga,” said Todd Garofano, president of the tourism bureau. “Rugby is a sport that is growing in popularity worldwide so to bring elite teams in from around the country and around the world is a great testament to Saratoga as a world-class sports destination. ”
The 2014 Saratoga Rugby Sevens Invitational will take place at the Saratoga Rugby Grounds, 5 Clement Ave., and at adjacent Skidmore College.
Officials said the tournament will have a festive atmosphere, with live music, a DJ, local food vendors, kid’s activities and rugby merchandise for sale.
The event can be found on Facebook.
Photo Courtesy Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau