Mayor Sanders announced on Aug. 22 that Petco Park will be hosting the fourth annual USA Sevens rugby event, featuring 16 nations in 44 matches, Feb. 10-11.
This is the U.S. venue of the International Rugby Board World Seven Series. The Home Depot Center in Carson City hosted the event the last three years.
Depending on local interest, Petco Park could host the event for five years.
Last year’s world champion, Fiji, will be participating. Other countries expected include the United States, Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, France, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, the West Indies, Uruguay and Chile.
More than 40 countries compete internationally in the eight IRB World Sevens Series. The USA national sevens team participates in only three: San Diego, Wellington and Hong Kong.
"We are very excited and pleased to welcome rugby fans from all over the world to America’s finest city," said Mayor Jerry Sanders. "The rugby sevens events have a huge international following and we’re looking forward to the tremendous economic benefits this event will bring to San Diego.”
“The Padres are pleased to be able to work with USA Sevens and the City of San Diego to bring this unique event to San Diego,” said Sandy Alderson, chief executive officer of the Padres. “This enables us to further distinguish Petco Park as an international event home.”
“I would like to thank Mayor Sanders, Supervisor Ron Roberts and Councilman Kevin Faulconer, along with many local business leaders who’ve made this event become a reality,” said Ray Peterson, managing director of USA Sevens. “Rugby fans are very passionate for their teams, like the recent soccer World Cup in Germany. We’re looking forward to a long partnership with the community.”
The 2007 USA Sevens in San Diego will be televised by 25 international broadcasters, reaching 130 countries and 150 million homes in 10 different languages.
On the same-sized field as traditional 15-a-side rugby, sevens rugby is played with seven players per team. Pure speed and athleticism are the foundation. The game is played in nonstop action, with thrilling attacks and game-saving tackles.
For more information, visit www.usasevens.com.