Written By: Finn Morton
Source: RugbyPass
Multiple Olympic bronze medallists are set to play in Portland next month following a major announcement from USA Rugby and Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s). It’s been revealed that the USA Women’s and Men’s teams will compete in the 2024 PR7s All-Star Tournament.
For the first time since the highly successful rugby sevens tournaments at the Paris Games, Team USA’s Olympians are set to take the field on home soil. Providence Park in Portland will host the event on Sunday, November 17.
The USA Women’s and Men’s sides will come up against past Olympians, legends of the sport, and other quality players at the home of MLS club the Portland Timbers. It’s ideal preparation as the Eagles teams set their sights on the SVNS Series opener in Dubai from November 30.
Fans in attendance will witness 14-minute games in a tournament-style competition. With tickets now on sale, the CEO and founder of PR7s is anticipating a “record-setting tournament” for rugby sevens supporters in the United States of America.
“We’re proud to welcome our Olympic heroes back to the U.S. in a celebration of our sport,” Owen Scannell, CEO and founder of Premier Rugby Sevens, said in a statement.
“Our PR7s All-Star format ensures high-level competition as the U.S. national teams prepare to return to international competition in Dubai in late November. Portland is a perfect market to celebrate rugby’s growth in America, and we’re thrilled to make history with USA Rugby.”
PR7s had 43 male and female athletes competing at the Paris Games in July across 11 different teams from around the world. There were 21 PR7s women who earned medals, including five from gold-medalling winning New Zealand and another four from silver medallists Canada.
USA had the most PR7s representatives among their ranks, with 12 players going on to win a historic bronze medal following Alex ‘Spiff’ Sedrick’s incredible runaway try against firm favourites Australia. Two silver medallists from Fiji’s men’s side have also played PR7s.
In PR7s, men’s and women’s teams compete under the same umbrella with equal pay. It’s a fast-paced, high-scoring competition that has revolutionised rugby sevens in the Land of the Free. USA Rugby is a proud partner of the competition, as seen by this announcement.
“We’re proud to work alongside Premier Rugby Sevens to create this unique event that showcases the extraordinary rugby talent here in America,” USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren, explained.
“This is a great opportunity for fans to see our Olympians back in action and for rugby to continue building momentum in the U.S. with our partners at PR7s. The PR7s All-Star Tournament will highlight America rugby’s competitiveness and promote our sport’s inclusiveness and excitement.”
The PR7s All-Star Tournament will be held at Providence Park, a 30,000-seat-capacity venue that is the home of Major League Soccer club, the Portland Timbers.
Providence Park is almost double the size of Portland’s next largest concert venue, making it the perfect venue for this historic All-Star event.
“We are thrilled to host such an exciting event for the sport of rugby, welcoming Olympians and some of the world’s best rugby players to Providence Park,” Portland Timbers CEO, Heather Davis, added.
“The stadium has been home to many iconic and historical events in its nearly 100 years of existence, making it the perfect venue for PR7s All-Star Tournament.
“No matter the event, Providence Park’s atmosphere is unmatched, and we look forward to welcoming the rugby community with USA Rugby and Premier Rugby Sevens.”
Playing rosters are yet to be determined. PR7s have said on their social media channels that an announcement on who wears the red, white and blue of the USA is expected to be announced shortly.
