Fourth Annual Atlantic Coast Invitational Rugby 7’s Tournament returns to Greensboro

Largest Regional Collegiate Rugby Sevens Tournament in the Country Kicks Off in “Tournament Town” September 17-18, 2011

GREENSBORO, NC (September 16, 2011) – Ten college men’s rugby teams will face up in Greensboro on September 17 & 18 to compete for the fourth annual Atlantic Coast Invitational (ACI) collegiate rugby 7’s championship title. The event, held for the second consecutive year at Bryan Park’s Macpherson Stadium, brings together men’s club teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) universities, The ACI champion will earn an automatic berth in the US Rugby’s Collegiate 7’s national championship in December. Rugby 7’s—which features seven players for each side versus the traditional fifteen, will debut as an official Olympic sport in the 2016 Summer Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“People who are new to this format are typically impressed with the athleticism and speed of play,” commented Pat Kane, Director of Men’s Rugby at Wake Forest University and tournament co-founder. “Seven-aside provides an action-packed two days with 33 matches, played in ten minute halves; it will be both fast and physical.” Teams scheduled to compete will represent the following universities:
– Clemson University
– Duke University
– Florida State University
– Georgia Tech
– N.C. State University
– University of Maryland
– University of North Carolina
– University of Virginia
– Virginia Tech
– Wake Forest University

“Because college rugby is a club sport rather than a varsity sport, many people are unaware just how dedicated these players are to their teams and to the sport,” commented Andy Richards, head coach of men’s rugby at Virginia Tech and tournament co-founder. “These student-athletes have been training all summer for the ACI and the quality of play has improved significantly as athletes and coaches have adjusted to the 7 v. 7 format.”

This weekend’s tournament will be take place at Macpherson Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina where the squad from North Carolina State captured the 2010 title. Admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children under age 14. Events begin at 10:00 am both days and the championship game is slated for 3:45pm on Sunday the 18th. The full tournament schedule and directions are posted on the tournament website: http://www.acirugby.com.

The ACI it is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

One thought on “Fourth Annual Atlantic Coast Invitational Rugby 7’s Tournament returns to Greensboro

  1. How cool is this! I must have missed the coverage on TV2 and the local papers. Thanks guys. We may actually go today!

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