The Rugby > Tournament Overview

Matches are played across 5 full size pitches. Our Number One and Number Two pitches are among the best in Ireland, with views over rolling countrside and perfectly manicured, level surfaces. The Number One pitch is central to all facilities at the event and those in the Club Pavilion will enjoy a grandstand view of matches on this pitch.

Sevens rules apply, 7 minutes each way. Teams have at least a 20 minute rest period between matches. All matches are overseen by fully qualified referees.

Competition Categories

New in 2012, we will be introducing new competitions to the Kinsale Sevens. See the ‘Competitions and Prizes’ section for further details.

Typical Agenda

Friday
Is a fun day for teams arriving early who want a stretch after their journey (give the prop forward a run!). Whilst there are no structured competitions this day, there are some informal 10-a-side competitions available, and 15-a-side for Vets, with a kick off at approximately 4pm. The bar opens around that time, and the various food sellers will be testing their fayre. This is a great opportunity to meet other teams, have a look around before the spectators arrive, collect your wristbands and generally prepare for the Saturday and Sunday competition days.

Saturday
At 10.00 am (and that's sharp, we have over 150 matches to schedule across the two days!) the first pool plays in the four competitions kick off, followed by the knockout stages later in the afternoon. The Vets 10's matches will also be played this day, allowing some rest time on Sunday for the old codgers! There will be trophies and prizes presented at the end of the day for the Elite, Ladies and Vets competitions. Play ends at around 6.00pm, depending on number of teams entered. The bar in the Main Marquee opens around 12pm with music and fun all day, and there is a wonderful choice of food available from 10am onwards in the Food Marquee. The Main Marquee stays open until around 8pm at which time players make their way back into the town for rest or further entertainment.

Sunday
Kicking off again at 10.00am sharp, this day heralds the main competitions with the biggest prizes. There is the Heineken Elite competition, separate from the Saturday competition. Also playing Sunday are the Ladies (Sunday) competition, and the Open and Social  Mens knockouts, finals and plate competition. Play ends usually around 6pm, again depending on number of teams entered. The Plate competition in the Open & Social section, together with trophies for the winners, ensures that teams at all levels of skills and fitness have something to play for. Followed on Sunday night by the festival club at a venue in Kinsale town - tickets are limited.

Competition Management
A note on timing - many have commented in the past on the efficiency of the tournament, how if you have match scheduled for (say) 2pm it will kick off at 2pm. If your team doesn't turn up at your allotted time then you cede the match and lose the points. With over 90 teams on the prowl it cannot work any other way. Our regular players and team managers really appreciate this, and as we have been running the competition for many years now we take pride in our close control of matches and start times. As you would expect at any event of this size, we have full First Aid and physiotherapy services on site across the weekend. Our wristband and drinks voucher schemes ensure that we comply with the law whilst enhancing the enjoyment of the event for players and spectators. All participants must be over 18 years of age and a member of a rugby club.