Mr Stoner, along with Minister for the Central Coast Rob Stokes and the Member for Gosford Chris Holstein, made the announcement while visiting the Central Coast today.

“I am delighted to announce the NSW Government’s support for the Central Coast Sevens, helping bring teams from across the world to the Central Coast from 24 – 26 October this year,” Mr Stoner said.

“Rugby Sevens is a popular sport combining the best of top tier Rugby with a festival environment, enabling fans to spend a weekend watching teams battle it out in an exciting shorter match format, while also soaking up the nearby sights and attractions.”

Minister for the Central Coast Rob Stokes said the Central Coast Sevens brings international attention to the Central Coast, helping to grow the region’s visitor economy.

“The event is expected to attract close to 1,500 visitors from across Australia and from countries including New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Japan, Brazil, the USA and Canada,” Mr Stokes said.

“These visitors are expected to generate more than $600,000 in visitor expenditure for the local and State economy,” he said.

The competition offers a total prize pool of $30,000 and taps into Rugby Sevens’ growing popularity following the announcement that the sport will join the Olympic schedule for the first time in 2016, as part of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Local Member for Gosford Chris Holstein said he was pleased the NSW Government was supporting the Central Coast Sevens.

“The Wyong Leagues Club is a great asset to our region, and it’s wonderful to see these playing fields being put to use, and showcased on an international level through the Central Coast Sevens,” Mr Holstein said.

“As an invitational event, the Central Coast Sevens attracts the best of the best when it comes to Rugby Sevens, and this year is no exception with the recent winners of the World Cup (Club) Sevens Championship, Daveta from Fiji, and the Australian Youth Olympic team that recently won gold at the Youth Olympic Games in China, all set to take part.

“I look forward to welcoming teams from far and wide to the Central Coast in October, and I know competitors will thoroughly enjoy their time on and off the field.

“I encourage everyone to take the time to explore the pristine bays, beaches, lakes and lush hinterland on the Central Coast, and enjoy the hospitality of the area’s great cafes, hotels and restaurants,” he said.

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