Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said, “Sydney is Australia’s home of rugby. In February 2016, rugby fans can see everything from big ticket international tournaments to local grassroots games. It’s a spectacular time of year to visit Sydney made even more exciting by this stellar line-up of rugby union events.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “The inspiring performance of the Wallabies throughout the Rugby World Cup has given rise to nation-wide rugby union fever that is set to burn well into the new year as Sydney gears up to host a month of major rugby events in February.

“Sydney will become a rugby union mecca as international and Australian fans, players and sporting media converge on the city for an exceptional selection of rugby union events, including the Australian arm of the Sevens World Series which will be played in Sydney for the first time ever.

“We are expecting to see fans take an extra day or two off work to book a long weekend in Sydney and take advantage of this four day festival of rugby,” Ms Chipchase said.

The festivities will kick off at the National 10’s Rugby Championship, the Bondi Tens, taking place from 4-5 February.

Held in the heart of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Bondi Tens maintains a focus on top amateur involvement welcoming teams from around the country. Fans can enjoy action-packed rugby in a smaller, intimate setting as 32 teams of ten players battle it out in two ten-minute halves. Sit on the try line with mates and enjoy the casual atmosphere of this community-focused event in which all proceeds made are given to charity.

After the match, head to The Dove & Olive in nearby Surry Hills for some delicious pub grub with an Americana twist. For those with an appreciation for craft beer, book a Dave’s Brewery Tour to experience a behind-the-scenes look at Sydney’s growing number of micro-breweries, craft beer venues and the inner-west beer scene.

Stay overnight in one of the beachside apartments at Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach and take advantage of the amazing coastal location – Adina apartments are only a two minute stroll to the iconic Bondi Beach. Wake up to a freshly brewed coffee downstairs at Sensory Lab before taking a morning dip in the brilliant blue waters of Bondi.

Rugby fever continues when the HSBC Sevens World Series comes to Sydney for the first time ever to offer rugby fans two adrenaline-filled days of Sevens action and a carnival experience that has become world-renowned.

Taking place from 6-7 February, Sevens will transform Sydney into a rugby extravaganza as the world’s greatest sevens players from 16 countries meet to play 42 matches over two days. No other code of football has as much free-flowing, fast-moving action as sevens with fewer athletes and faster games – statistically a try is scored every 70 seconds in rugby sevens.

This fast-paced on-field play will be complemented with continuous off-field entertainment, creating the carnival atmosphere for which the Sevens World Series is known.

Get your mates together and join in the Sevens tradition of donning fancy dress as sombrero wearing Mexicans, Scots in kilts and Jamaican bobsled teams dressed in this year’s “Go global” theme flock in the hundreds to the South Stand.

A number of travel packages are available offering accommodation options all over the city, whether you want to stay in the heart of the CBD at Vibe Hotel Sydney or near the city’s bustling entertainment precinct at The Darling. More information can be found at Qantas Holidays, Flight Centre and Kingdom Sports Group.

Rugby fever will continue on 27 February when Super Rugby rivals the NSW Waratahs and the Queensland Reds face off in round 1 of the 2016 season in Sydney.

In the final round of the 2015 competition the Waratahs demolished the Reds 31 to 5 so these old foes will be pulling out all stops to play a re-match to remember come February.

Tahs and Reds fans can book a trip to Sydney to keep the rugby fever alive and cheer on their tribe. Stay at the retro 57 Hotel in Surry Hills and calm the pre-game nerves with a draught beer and hearty meal at The London Hotel in Paddington, a stone’s throw from the stadium.

For more information on Sydney and New South Wales, visit www.sydney.com or www.visitnsw.com.

Media Contact:

Laura Kelly
Destination NSW
Tel.: 02 9931 1164 / 0411 777 676
E: laura.kelly@dnsw.com.au

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