Alev Kelter is one of four Olympians who will feature in PR7s’ women’s competition / Photo: Alex Ho
MEMPHIS – Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the new sports league featuring the top U.S. Olympic rugby sevens athletes, today announced Memphis will host The PR7s Inaugural Championship at AutoZone Park on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. Tickets are on sale now at PRSevens.com/tickets.
“For our inaugural event, we wanted a market that would appeal as an exciting destination for American rugby fans with a great venue and vibrant local rugby community,” said Owen Scannell, Founder and CEO of Premier Rugby Sevens. “With the downtown location of AutoZone Park steps away from the legendary Beale Street, The PR7s Inaugural Championshipin Memphis will be an unbelievable festival experience worth traveling to see in person. We’re thrilled to have incredible partners at the City of Memphis, AutoZone Park, and our official community partners at Memphis Inner City Rugby.”
“This is a huge opportunity for Memphis to shine on a national and international stage by hosting Premier Rugby Sevens and their inaugural event,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. “It’s a unique chance for our residents in the Memphis Metro area to witness this landmark tournament live. And we look forward to welcoming fans and the PR7s’ athletes from across the country to our city.”
For fans unable to make it to Memphis to witness the event in person, the inaugural men’s and women’s tournaments will be available through FOX Sports. The PR7s Inaugural Championship will be live across FS2, the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com, with the championship re-airing on FS1.
The league’s initial player signings feature several stars from both the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Olympic Rugby Sevens Teams, including Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Abby Gustaitis,Carlin Isles, Alev Kelter, Ilona Maher, Folau Niua, Naya Tapper, Stephen Tomasin, and Kevon Williams. The league will showcase six men’s teams and four women’s teams that play multiple games through the championship tournament on Oct. 9. In the coming weeks, additional player announcements, team names, and league partnerships will be revealed.
As one of the largest grassroots rugby programs in the country, Memphis Inner City Rugby and its student-athletes will have access to PR7s players, a coach development clinic, professional development opportunities integrated with the event, and discounted tickets to the event on Oct. 9.