Serevi the star Kinsale attraction

WAISALE SEREVI, arguably the greatest Rugby Sevens player in the world, will have more than a passing interest in the Heineken Kinsale Sevens on May 2-4.

Serevi, who has won World Sevens titles with Fiji over almost two decades, will be the star attraction when he lines out with the South Sea Drifters for the 15th year of this most popular event that yields over 6m to the local economy.

Over 30 teams have confirmed their participation in this year’s event but that figure is set to more than double over the next couple of weeks.

The visitors will come from as far afield as the USA and Canada and, of course, the South Seas, even if many of that squad are based in Britain.

And the tournament received a further boost with the continuing commitment from Heineken as title sponsor. Speaking at the launch, Pat Maher, Heineken’s national events and sponsorship manager, said: “Heineken is delighted to be involved again this year as title Sponsors with the Heineken Kinsale Sevens. This event has proved over the last 14 years to be one of the most popular rugby weekends in the calendar. 2003 is a busy rugby year for Heineken as we look forward to the Heineken Cup quarter-final and final taking place in Dublin followed closely by the Rugby World Cup in October, of which, Heineken is worldwide partner.”

The Heineken Kinsale Sevens, with its unique maritime setting above Kinsale Harbour and Oysterhaven Estuary, attracts teams worldwide in Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, and Junior Men’s categories. Over 60 teams are expected to take part this year for an increased prize fund of 18,000.

This year also sees, in association with the IRFU, the U-20s Sevens Finals.

Kinsale RFC President, Tomas O’Brien announced that there would be a strong line-up of international guest stars to inform and entertain, including Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey, Josh Kronfeld of All-Blacks fame and event patron, Jonathan Davies.

Canterbury of New Zealand has renewed its support for the event with the announcement to commit as official merchandise sponsor for a further three years.

In addition, the Irish Examiner, media partners to the event, renewed its partnership agreement and is publishing a dedicated supplement as well as providing top coverage for readers nationally.

O2, the official mobile communications partner, is providing telecommunication services and is also sponsoring the Player of the Tournament award. TV3 and Chorus Sports will be providing dedicated television programming of the tournament.