RUGBY supporters and clubs will have the chance to enjoy a full weekend of rugby at the home of the Dragons as the region launches an exciting and innovative new X7s tournament on May 18-20 that will give players from every club in the region the chance to play at Rodney Parade.

In partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union, Rodney Parade will also host WRU National Conference 10s on the same weekend, with the action accompanied by live music, food and children’s activities.

X7, or Cross Field Sevens, and the National 2nd XV Conference 10s deliver a number of benefits in bringing players from youth rugby into a club's senior ranks, re-integrating those who have dropped out of the game and offering as many as possible the chance to be involved in the different formats of the game.

There are 72 clubs in the Dragons region, so the planned schedule is for clubs from the Premiership to Division One to play on Friday, May 18, clubs from Division Two, Three and Second XV on the Saturday with both the National 10s and women's/girls' X7s on Sunday.

“This will be the first X7s club competition in Wales after piloting the concept in universities, and World Rugby are encouraging nations to trial the format,” said Adrian Evans, WRU regional rugby manager for the Dragons region.

“The chance to close the season with a full weekend of rugby at Rodney Parade showcasing these two different formats of the game with such a large number of possible participants is cutting edge and unprecedented in Wales.

“Don’t underestimate both the potential scale, size and impact of this event, we could be welcoming players from 80 clubs (including the national 10s) to play a huge amount of rugby across three days and over the whole Rodney Parade site including the £750,000 pitch that was laid last summer.

“The Dragons are actively engaging with their region at all levels, and this festival of rugby with each team having the chance to play at the home of the Dragons reinforces that, it’s hugely exciting.

“Any team wishing to take part should email LRoberts@wru.wales to register their interest.”

Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman added: “We want to unite the rugby supporters in our region behind the Dragons and by throwing open our doors to create a cross field 7s tournament with every club invited seems to be the perfect way to end the season as well as get people excited about what is to come next year.

“Players, coaches and the Rodney Parade staff will be there to ensure it’s a great event to be enjoyed by all, with live music, food and plenty of rugby to enjoy.”

Register your club’s interest by Friday, April 27.