Following last year’s successful launch of a day-long celebration of rugby, Sandbach RUFC promise this year’s event will be bigger and better, thanks to sponsorship from a leading local business.
Crewe Volkswagen is to be the lead sponsor of the 2014 Festival of Rugby on Saturday, May 24, and featuring a Men’s Open 7s competition, and a Veterans 10s.
More than 400 players are expected to compete in the family friendly, day long festival, with upwards of 700 spectators.
The Weston Road dealership already sponsors Sandbach RUFC, which prides itself on its strictly amateur status, in a deal that was launched last year.
Woody Barlow, from the Sandbach organising committee, said: “Last year’s inaugural festival was a huge success, and was hailed by many as one of the best competitions in the North West.
“With the help of our fantastic new sponsor Crewe Volkswagen, we intend to build on that reputation this year and hope to attract teams and visitors from even further afield.
“An event like this takes a lot of organising – we were helped out by 78 volunteers last year, and that number looks set to rise. It is only with the financial support of our sponsors that we are able to offer such a great day with programmes, officials, PA systems, goody bags and trophies all costing money.”
Ben Gilbert, brand manager at Crewe Volkswagen, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with such a prestigious event as the 2014 Festival of Rugby.
“As a business, we know how important it is to offer support to local groups that serve our community and Sandbach RUFC is a prime example of this.
“I’m sure that over the coming years the Festival is set to grow in size and reputation and become a major fixture on the rugby calendar not just in the North West, but across the country. It is good to be part of that so early in the competition’s evolution.”
Planning of the festival is very much underway, with entries now invited for 7s and vets. The 7s is open to players aged 17 and over while the vets is strictly for the over 35s and will feature 10 players per side playing 10 minutes each way.
Final details of the competitions and draws will be made the week before the tournament, but each will begin with a number of pools followed by knock-out stages. In addition to the main cups, there will also be a prize for the best dress team of the festival!
A festival programme will feature a welcome from World Cup winner Will Greenwood and full details of the day.
Besides the rugby, there promises to be something for everyone with a bouncy castle and ice cream for the children and refreshments and a barbecue throughout the day.
For more details, or to download an entry form, go to the Sandbach RUFC website at www.sandbachrufc .co.uk