One month until Sevens kick-off on Gold Coast
The countdown has officially begun to the HSBC Sevens World Series 2012/13 with only one month to go until Australia hosts round one, the Gold Coast Sevens – Fever Pitch tournament at Skilled Park on 13-14 October.
The Gold Coast event is the first of nine on the global grand prix-style Series and moves this year from a Friday – Saturday to Saturday – Sunday format, giving crowds a better opportunity to experience the fast, fun and exciting Olympic Sport in action.
Fiji won the first title in last year's Series at Skilled Park to take an early lead in the standings, while hosts Australia finished fourth and are looking to improve on that return this year.
“Our main focus at the moment is to win the first round on the Gold Coast and then we’re going to try and do well at every round,” said Australia head coach, Michael O’Connor.
“We’ll be better prepared this year. A lot of the players we’ll take to the Gold Coast are all experienced. The team is in better condition, they’re a lot faster and are developing well. Physically, as well as mentally, they are also a lot stronger. I’m happy with where the team is at the moment.”
For all the international teams the World Series is crucial in the pathway towards Rugby Sevens' Olympic debut in Rio in 2016. Many of the current crop of players will already have their eyes fixed firmly on that grand stage, including the young Wallabies.
"This year our major strengths are the experience within the team and the fact we’ve been able to retain players," said Australia captain, Ed Jenkins.
“This year ARU has been really productive in trying to retain players in Rugby Sevens, which will hopefully help us deliver better result on the field.
"Having won the Oceania Sevens Championships a couple of weeks ago, we’ve got a head start so hopefully we can get the win at the Gold Coast.
“We have the 2016 Rio Olympics in the back of our minds so we will be concentrating on that too.
“I’m looking forward to a bigger crowd this year, it will be great now that it’s on a Saturday and Sunday.”
Fans are being encouraged to pick up their tickets at the same price as last year after Australian Rugby Union announced earlier in the year tickets to the Gold Coast Sevens – Fever Pitch would be frozen at 2011 prices.
Gold Coast Tickets
Two Day Passes
Reserved – Adult $119
Reserved – Concession $79
Reserved – Family* $238
General Admission – Adult $79
General Admission – Concession $49
General Admission – Family* $158
Saturday Only:
Reserved – Adult $59
Reserved – Concession $39
Reserved – Family* $118
General Admission – Adult $39
General Admission – Concession $25
General Admission – Family* $78
Sunday Only:
Reserved – Adult $69
Reserved – Concession $45
Reserved – Family* $138
General Admission – Adult $49
General Admission – Concession $30
General Admission – Family* $98
*A family is considered to be either 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.
2011 Gold Coast Sevens highlights
