30 Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle July 2017 Olympians To Compete In RugbyTown 7s Tournament by Kurt Woock Photos by Seth McConnell Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale RugbyTown USA will become center At Left: Rugby Utah stage for rugby 7s in the from and Negro y Azul August 25 to 27, as Infinity Park hosts the compete in the 2016 sixth annual RugbyTown 7s tournament. Bowl Final at RugbyTown 7s. Twenty teams from around the world, in- cluding a team comprised of Fiji’s gold medal-winning team from the Summer Olympics in Rio, will compete for a $10,000 At Right: Upright cash prize. Rugby Rogues The tournament has grown to become a from Canada and destination event. Mark Bullock is the Di- the Royal Air Force rector of Rugby at Infinity Park and the from the UK are tournament director. “As the years have just two of the gone on, the level of competition has im- international teams proved; the tourney is now truly an interna- that will return to the tional tournament,” he said. “Teams from 2017 RugbyTown 7s overseas want to come here.” Bullock at- tournament. tributed the tournament’s growth in stature cash prize gives teams something tangible Tournament Details Each of those teams will return this year. to a few factors. First, the level of competi- to chase. The tournament’s format is structured to One team participating for the first time tion has always been high, a reputation Bullock said that the tournament’s envi- ensure a high level of competition through this year will draw interest and immediate- that begets more competition. The $10,000 ronment has also earned the tournament the entire weekend. The 20 teams are ly be a contender for the top prize. The Viti Teams Competing In The high marks from visiting teams. The week- grouped into four pools of five teams. In 7s (pronounced “vee-tee”) from Fiji will 2017 RugbyTown 7s Tournament end, which consists of dozens of games, is pool play, each team plays every other team take the field with nine players who won Atavus All-Stars run efficiently. Each team is given a liaison once (one pool consists of the rugby team gold in Rio. “For them to say, ‘hey we want British Army to help ensure they have everything they from each of the five branches of the U.S. to go to to play,’ that’s a pretty Canadian Maple Leafs need in order to be ready to play on time. armed forces, a setup that doubles as the big statement,” Bullock said. “That demon- Cayman Islands Each team is provided a locker room or national tournament for these teams). At strates the level of competition this tourna- 7s Selects area to prepare, snacks provided between the conclusion of pool play the teams in ment has.” games, and a banquet for all players at the each pool are ranked. All the teams that Another change to this year’s tourna- Negro y Azul end of the weekend are all welcome acts of won the most games in their pool are ment will be the introduction of the Glendale Ramblin’ Jesters (UK team) hospitality. The community comes togeth- grouped together in a new pool. The teams Merlins team, which previously played Royal Air Force Spitfires er, providing not only fans that fill the sta- that won the second-most games are under the Glendale Raptors name. Rugby Utah dium, but also restaurants that are within grouped together, and so on. From there, Attending The Event SoCal Griffins walking distance of the stadium and hotels the tournament transitions into a bracket- Those interested in attending can pur- Tiger Rugby that assist teams that are often on a shoe- style tournament, where the winners in chase single-day tickets or group rates are Upright Rugby Rogues, string budget arrange lodging. each round continue to play other win- also available. Those in attendance can also Ontario, Canada Finally, Infinity Park itself is a major draw. ners. At the conclusion of the tournament, take advantage of the annual Glendale USA All-Americans Many in the area — and throughout the four teams receive awards, one for the over- Bruises + Brews Beerfest, a festival that fea- Viti Barbarians (Fiji) country — know that Infinity Park is the all victor in each of the seeded pools. The tures craft beer, spirits, and ciders. Bruises US Air Force first stadium in the country built for rugby. defending champions for each level are: & Brews takes place on the afternoon of US Army Bullock said that Infinity Park stands out to Cup Champions & $10,000 prize winners: Saturday, August 26 on Infinity Park’s Fes- US Coast Guard international teams as well. “Unless they Denver 7s tival Plaza, which is adjacent to the tourna- US Marines are playing in a venue in Twickenham or Plate Champions: British Army ment field, and tickets are available that US Navy Murrayfield, they generally are not going Bowl Champions: Rugby Utah give entrance to both the festival and the to be playing in facilities nicer than this.” Shield Champions: RAF Rugby 7s tournament.

Step Denver helps low-income men overcome addiction and rebuild their lives through sobriety, work and self-sufficiency. A Car Donated Is A Future Created! • Tax Deductible • Free Towing • Any Condition • We Handle The Details

Please donate your car, truck, motorcycle or RV to help our men become sober, employed and productive members of our community. 303-296-9020 • www.stepdenver.org