Irish sportswear giants O’Neills have been unveiled as an official new sponsor of the world’s largest school rugby tournament, the Rosslyn Park HSBC National School Sevens, which will take place in London from 23rd-27th March 2020.
Kieran Kennedy, Managing Director of O’Neills Irish International Sportswear Ltd, said: “We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of this prestigious event which has been held since 1939 and has evolved into the world’s largest school rugby tournament, with over 10,000 boys and girls aged 11-18 competing annually at the London-based club.
“During its illustrious history, the Rosslyn Park HSBC National School Sevens has featured many greats including Gareth Edwards, Keith Jarrett, Will Carling, Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio, to name but a few. Last year the event celebrated its 80th anniversary and the 2020 tournament is expected to be the biggest yet, with O’Neills supplying the staff uniform this year.”
Mr Kennedy added: “O’Neills is a world-renowned brand committed to sport, community and empowering athletes at all levels to become champions and reach the top of their game. We are proud to be associated as sponsors of this globally recognised tournament.”
O’Neills will have an added presence throughout the week with their event marquee located next to the two main Richardson Evans Memorial pitches in South London.
Andrew Higgins, Director with the Rosslyn Park HSBC National School Sevens, welcomed O’Neills on board for this year’s event which will host over 800 teams, 6,000 spectators, and 120 match officials during five days of competition.
He said: “O’Neills will be supplying the staff uniform kit which includes around 50 volunteers, all of whom are pivotal to running the tournament. As sportswear suppliers to numerous teams and sporting events across the world, we are really looking forward to our new partnership with O’Neills this year.”
The Rosslyn Park HSBC National School Sevens attracts representatives from countries across the world including South Africa, Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, UAE, Kenya, Lebanon and Canada, as well as the UK and Europe. Founded in 1939, the first girls’ tournament was held in 1998. This year an U15 competition is being introduced to help increase female representation.
For more information, visit www.rpns7.co.uk