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Thousands of rugby fans are set to descend on Nelson Mandela Bay in November for a newly launched interprovincial Sevens tournament that will see some of the country’s top players do battle.

The tournament is being seen as a stepping stone in the city’s bid to host the popular IRB Sevens World Series event in 2011.

Eastern Province Rugby, in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, will host the interprovincial tournament at the NMMU Stadium on November 7 and 8.

The tournament was awarded to Port Elizabeth by the SA Rugby Union and the fact that rugby Sevens has been recommended for the Olympic Games opens up many opportunities in the future.

Mike Kwenaite, chairman of the city’s recreation and culture committee, believes the event is a major coup for the Bay.

“This is actually a stepping stone for us to strengthen our determined bid to host the International Rugby Board event in our friendly city,” Kwenaite said.

The annual event in South Africa has been hosted by George at the IRB George Sevens for some years; however the contract comes up for renewal in 2011.

“We aim to bring the game to the people and to make this a reality for all. We will provide transportation from the townships, allowing people without transport to be part of this memorable sporting event,” Kwenaite said.

Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens

It will not be the first time a big Sevens event is held in the area though.

The annual Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens takes place in December, a week before the George Sevens, and is another demonstration of the ability to host Sevens tournaments in the area.

The tournament has attracted the likes of this year’s Middlesex Sevens finalists Samurai International, The British Army and Emerging Springboks Sevens in recent years and this year will be no different meaning this too could play a part in the bid for the 2011 South Africa leg of the IRB Sevens Series.