Embracing change and encouraging social games, the Bowdens Silver Rugby Sevens Tournament marks its 30th year anniversary

Changing the format, instead of only hosting one comp, there is now social games for those who just want to have a bit of fun.

Rugby Sevens Vice President Ross Smith says the format change came about in a bid to encourage more numbers.

“We were finding the social teams weren’t wanting to come and be beaten by the big Sydney teams so we’ve turned it into two different comps, now we have lots of teams coming back.”

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Social games have been embraced by the dozen, with one Mudgee team getting into the spirit.

“Quite often the social teams dress up for a bit of fun,” Tournament Coordinator, Ros Lee said.

“There’s one Mudgee men’s social team is naming themselves as the ‘MIP’ for ‘Men in Pink’ as part of Pink Up Mudgee.”

Glen Willow will host teams from all over the state including Newcastle, Sydney, Central West and beyond with a succession of 50 games held on single day event.

Due to the explosion of attention Rugby Sevens has been witness to on a world stage, it is no surprise attraction across the region has grown.

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“Sevens use to be something you play before 15 aside but it’s actually become quite a specialised sport,” Media Liaison Trent Robetson said.

“It’s even more popular since the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.”

Mudgee will have one women’s team and four men’s competing in the social category.

There will be a total of eight women’s teams, 12 social, with eight in the premier section duking it out for 6,000 dollars in prize money, with a total of 498 players.

Ten refs will be making the trek from all over the state, especially Simon Brown who has been in attendance for 21 of the 30 years of the Bowdens Silver tournament.

Kick off will be at 9am, Saturday 6th at Glen Willow.

Email our sports journalist | jay-anna.mobbs@fairfaxmedia.com.au