10 REASONS TO PLAY THE TROPICAL 7s
Updated: Sep 1
If you are thinking about playing at the Tropical 7s, here are 10 reasons why your youth or college rugby team should be coming to Tampa next Easter...
#1: AMERICA'S #1 YOUTH RUGBY EVENT…
The TROPICAL 7s sees youth teams of all levels from around the world and across the US competition in ideal conditions in the sunshine of Florida. Competitive divisions are available for both boys and girls at U23, U18, U16, U14 and an U12 co-ed division with ‘Elite' and 'Open' divisions offered at some age grades. The tournament has featured youth players who have gone on to represent their country at senior level. In 2024, senior Men's and Senior Women's have been introduced to the competition for the first time. But whatever your level of rugby, we are confident we can find the right level of competition for your team a the Tropical 7s.
#2: A WORLD CLASS VENUE FOR TOURNAMENT RUGBY 7s…
TROPICAL 7s returns to the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay in the sunshine state of Florida, USA. The facility consists of 15 professionally maintained full-size pitches, all featuring premium LED lighting & live stream capability, a large tournament plaza and plenty of parking on-site. The venue is Tampa's elite-level tournament sports facility located just 10 mins from downtown Tampa, 20 mins from Tampa International Airport and less than an hour drive to Florida’s gulf coast beaches.
#3: A UNIQUE FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL RUGBY…
TROPICAL 7s attracts teams from across North America and from around the world, creating a unique and diverse rugby experience for participating teams. Teams from the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, and South Africa have previously competed in the tournament. Approx 30-40% of teams are international competing alongside teams from across the US to provide a diverse rugby experience and a unique mix of different rugby cultures.
#4: PERFECT PLAYING CONDITIONS..
There is good reason why Florida is called the 'Sunshine State'! Emerge from the northern hemisphere’s cold winter and fly south to the tropics to enjoy the famous Florida sunshine. With daily highs in April in the low 80s, it makes Easter week the perfect time to visit Tampa - and perfect conditions to play tournament rugby 7s!
#5: TRAIN LIKE THE PROS...
TROPICAL 7s offers a unique opportunity for teams to establish their own training camps and team-building activities during the days leading up to the tournament. Fields are available to teams for training (at no extra cost and included within the registration fee) on the Wednesday & Thursday before the tournament.Take advantage of the world class facilities on offer and train like the pros!
#6: GET SCOUTED...
TROPICAL 7s is a high profile 'showcase' event for talented school-age rugby players and a must-attend event to further their rugby ambitions. A number of athletes have gone on to represent their country at the Olympics and World Cups. The Tropical 7s Talent ID programme attracts national selectors, professional scouts and college recruiters from the US as well as abroad.
#7: GREAT OFF-FIELD EXPERIENCES...
Combine a world-class rugby experience with an amazing vacation in Tampa and the Central Florida area with world-renowned theme parks, stunning beaches and the very best in professional sports. Orlando's world famous attractions are one hour away - so there is no shortage of things to do when off the rugby field.
#8: A WIDE CHOICE OF TOURNAMENT ACCOMMODATION…
TROPICAL 7s has obtained discounted room rates with over 30 hotels in the Tampa area to ensure participating teams get the best available rates, including two new hotels added to the Clearwater area for teams wanting to locate closer to the Gulf Coast beaches. TOP TIP: Book early - rooms will sell-out fast! For hotel rates and current availability, see link from our registration platform.
#9 ENTER THE TROPICAL 7s ATHLETE COMBINE...
The TROPICAL 7s Athlete Combine, delivered in conjunction with USA Weightlifting, is open to all tournament age groups and takes place on the day before the start of the Tropical 7s tournament. The Athlete Combine provides an opportunity for players to record and benchmark their physical metrics via a circuit of physical tests focused on speed, acceleration, agility and endurance. The Combine is available to all players registered in the tournament at no extra cost.
#10 YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS…
TROPICAL 7s has been delivering high quality rugby experiences to touring teams since 2017. Over 95% of coaches and team managers positively rated their team's experience at the 2023 Tropical 7s. Our event is officially sanctioned by USA Rugby and player welfare is an important priority. We look forward to welcoming teams to Florida next Easter!
Full details at www.tropical7s.com.