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Robin Heymann

Sevens + Big Prize Money + Cornish Coast + Ridiculously good nightlife = Winner.

On the surface Newquay’s Surf Sevens seems to possess the ideal formula for the perfect weekend away. Heading into its second year in operation this weekend, it has already been hailed as the biggest and best Rugby jamboree in the South West. Combine this with the O2 scrum on the beach later in the summer at the magical ‘Lusty Glaze’ and it seems a new dimension has been added to this stoutly traditional rugby hotbed.

Looking back I suppose it’s a no brainer really with Sun, Surf, and Sevens as a combination, but it takes the initiative of someone to make something that sounds good on paper an actual reality. That’s when the rugby mad Hawken’s family brains clicked into gear.

Outstanding first year

“The planning for the Newquay Surf Sevens started in the summer of 2007 when my son James, started playing at a number of 7s events throughout England. He looked at a number of venues, what they had to offer and decided that it was time to return home and help organise a top Sevens event. This would also showcase Newquay as a leading resort and Newquay Sports Centre as a top Sports Facility,” said Tournament Director Andy Hawken.

With both Hawken Snr and Jnr in agreement that they could make this one of the best rugby gigs in the South West and some much needed money for local charities, a team was suitably sourced together and 2008 saw its debut.

Perhaps the surprising factor of the Surf Seven’s first years in business was the quality and quantity of teams the organisers have managed to pull in for their first outing. Perhaps not surprisingly they sensibly got in touch with Mr Sevens himself, Terry Sands who pointed them in the right direction.

"As James was playing, at the various tournaments, he started to form a list of contacts which we are still using today. Andy contacted Terry Sands at Samurai and simply asked him 'what do we need to do to attract the top teams and what would they be looking for in a tournament'. Terry gave a tremendous amount of information and support and Newquay Surf Sevens was born" added Hawken.

The proof was very much in the pudding for Hawken back in their first outing, with some pretty startling stats for a start. Not only did they generate circa £15,000 to local charities and not-for-profit organizations smashing their original targets but they welcomed 96 7s teams over the weekend, whilst drawing 5,398 through the gate with many coming from outside Cornwell.

The strong footfall was achieved partly because of the sizzling sunshine but also due to a variety of factors stemming from the hardwork of Hawken’s team and the small-town community at large pulling together to promote the event.

With Newquay Sports Centre providing an ideal base logistically the notion of Sevens and Newquay just seemed to click from the off. Hawken is confident his gang have learnt the necessary lessons from 2008 although he cites the lack of an Ice-cream as one the major criticisms!

"The Ice Cream Van was high the agenda and I am pleased to say that Mr. Whippy will be in attendance! But in all seriousness we canvassed the teams, helpers and sponsors and held a number of meetings to make sure that we didn’t make the same mistakes again."

Quantity and Quality

Perhaps the most positive aspect form the feedback he received was the praise from the top players especially who were mustard keen to ink in the weekend as early as possible into their diaries. As well as soaking up the fresh Newquay rugby vibe the 7s elite also managed to put on quite a show too.

The strong list of twelve participating teams included some of the UK’s crème de la crème with the likes of the Kaiviti Krusaders, Kooga Wailers, Samurai International, as well as finalists Marauders, and of course the eventual winners the British Army. The Army brought a strong team to Newquay, as they planned to use the competition as a key warm-up for the forthcoming Middlesex Sevens competition perhaps a hint into the workout they thought Newquay might provide them.

The Men’s Open competition also bought in handy teams with the West Country Cavaliers and eventual winners Ronins Impact putting a grand finale that revved up the growing ensemble present at the Sports Complex.

The Women’s competition also provided some of the very best around with the Pink Baabaas narrowly missing out to the always strong Wooden Spoon outfit. And with all the serious stuff out the way the comedy and extravagant outfits come out on the Sunday for the Presidents Cup, which also possess some pretty decent teams that wouldn’t make fools of themselves playing in the higher echeloned competitions.

Big £££ up for grabs

So what can we expect for 2009? With £10,000 worth of prize money expect some fireworks. Samurai International are the red hot team of the moment enjoying (when don’t they?!) another special season.

Plagued by a multitude of losses in major finals last season, they have rekindled that steel of old which has got them over the line at Stirling, Amsterdam, and last weekend in Manchester. Mr. Sands has again been able to bring in quality individuals from all over the globe and, worryingly for the rest of the teams on Saturday, has retained the majority of his Manchester squad for a consecutive weekend – ominous.

Kooga Wailers will be there or thereabouts no doubt littered with some of the Newcastle Falcon’s boys who will feature at the Middlesex Sevens and it is of course a similar situation with the British Army.

In a bid to stoke up some local support some big clubs in the vicinity have been drawn in, in the form of Plymouth Albion and that old codger Graham Dawe. It is always fascinating to see how traditional club teams fare against the new breed of invitational outfits too.

"Although the event is very popular with teams all over the country, there’s been a low up take in Cornish Rugby Clubs entering. We felt that the local teams may raise the awareness within the county. Sadly the withdrawal of the Cornish Pirates and Mounts Bay has left Plymouth as our sole representatives, but knowing Graham Dawe and his reputation throughout Cornwall, Plymouth Albion will be a side to watch!’

The men's open has attracted 24 strong lineup too including some top class teams who were too late to sign up for the invitational sevens competition. Sides like Ronin Impact, Oakmedians, Olaf Axes, and the Marauders Academy will be looking to make inroads into the Cup and the likes of Worcester Trojans and the Royal Navy Sharks could also do some damage.

The Women’s competition is an area that Hawken realises is an important ingredient in providing a balanced and quality event and excitingly has bought in this year the likes of Worcester Ladies, Wasps, and Richmond to challenge the Wooden Spoons and Pink Barbarians of this world.

Looking forward to soaking up the fun and games on Sunday too with 48 visiting rugby clubs from across the UK competing for the new Newquay President's Cup. Watch out for last year’s winners from Devon, the Kingsbridge Young Guns. These boys looked tip top at the Salcombe Easter Sevens back in April and the talented youngsters will be tough to take down for their bleary eyed opposition on Sunday.

Rugby remains the key

Outside the rugby of course there is plenty of stuff to keep one occupied with Newquay one of the major hubs for a good night out in the UK. One of the tournament’s sponsors ‘Sailors’ are ready for the thirsty masses and is one of many buzzing establishments where the good times always roll. For those keen to avoid the Stag and Hen-do crowd there are some good pubs, beaches, restaurants and textbook Coastal walks to keep you occupied throughout your stay.

“Our aim is to provide a first class rugby event and leave the town of Newquay to provide the Entertainment,” added Hawken.

It’s this statement which gives an insight into perhaps the major element of Newquay’s early success. With the event run by genuine rugby ‘people’ (not my favourite expression but you catch my drift) the player’s playing experience is a top notch one.

With the big tournaments coming big and fast these days it’s sometimes easy to let that aspect of things suffer, such is the desire to create the huge event. Again returning to the key component of a tournament having the right location, the Surf Sevens is obviously helped from the ideal Cornish environment.

But importantly it possesses the crucial balance of things with the Rugby and logistics very much the priority, with the fun and frolics very close behind.

With a spot on the UK Series close to a formality in the future, even in this economic climate, the event has the tools to enjoy a healthy future.

"The aim is to continue to provide a quality event annually and the future looks good. Teylu Leisure Ltd which is owned by myself and my two sons Murray and James are looking to form a partnership with Newquay Hornets RFC to safeguard the event for many years to come," said the enthusiastic Hawken.

"We have lots of scope to grow the event, thanks to Newquay Sports centre and Newquay Tretherras School along with the local Council and the Duchy of Cornwall. We would love to be a part of the proposed British Series as we feel that we have an event worthy of its place".