Rugby Pundit, Brent Pope and Irish International women’s player, Tania Rosser helped launch the 30th anniversary Heineken Kinsale 7s at a reception at the Macdonald Kinsale Hotel on Sunday March 18th. The Heineken reception was followed by a celebration dinner to mark 35 years of Kinsale Rugby Club attended by past players, members, sponsors and friends.
The Heineken Kinsale 7s take place in Kinsale over the May Bank Holiday weekend, 5th & 6th May 2018. This is Ireland’s largest rugby 7s tournament and builds on its success each year, with over 8,000 visitors expected in the town.
The Heineken Kinsale 7s promises to be an action-packed weekend of competitive men and women’s running rugby for an attractive prize fund, trophies and medals. A high calibre of rugby players across all competitions is anticipated as well as a fun social programme.
Mens Elite and Open Champions, Projecx Waterboys from Scotland and the King Prawns from London return to Kinsale to defend their titles. Other Elite teams include the Swedish Men’s 7s, Speranza 22 from Dubai, The Camarthen Warriors and Ponty Butchers from Wales, CLIC Sargent Godfathers from London and University College Dublin.
Former Irish International and guest at the launch, Tania Rosser returns as player/manager for the WRR Ravens who are contenders in the women’s competition, sponsored by Hayes Caravan Services.

Pat Maher, Event and Sponsorship Manager, Heineken Ireland said: “We are delighted to continue our support and sponsorship of the Heineken Kinsale 7s and look forward to celebrating the 30th Anniversary in Kinsale with top-quality competitive rugby. We thank everyone involved in Kinsale RFC for their foresight, courage and wisdom to stage a 7s tournament all those years ago.
“The continued dedication of the club members to successfully organise this event, now in its 30th year is unrivalled in sport in Ireland. They have grown participation in the event with continued success and enjoyment. This event has delivered positive opportunities for our business partners in Kinsale and surrounding area for so many years’’.
Tomás O’Brien, Tournament Director, thanked all sponsors, associate partners, club members and volunteers for their continued involvement and support. “The Heineken Kinsale 7s generates a huge boost to Kinsale Rugby Club and the local economy and is staffed entirely by volunteers. I wish to thank Heineken, and all our partners and volunteers for their continued support over the past 30 years.
“We welcome Brent Pope and Tania Rosser back to Kinsale and we look forward to a fantastic line-up of teams and many visitors to Kinsale this year,” said Tomás O’Brien.
Additional partners include Hayes Caravan Services, Sponsor of the Women’s Competition and are helping create an exciting new layout for the Heineken Kinsale 7s this year. Festihuts will provide on-site accommodation for teams.
Charity partners are St. Gabriel’s School in Bishopstown, Cork – a special school catering for pupils aged 4-18 years with severe to profound intellectual disability and additional medical conditions. Funds raised at the Heineken Kinsale 7s will contributed to much needed recreational and sports facilities.
For further information, team registration, accommodation and updates visit www.kinsale7s.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #Kinsale7s.