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A new professional seven-a-side competition is set to debut in the fall of this year. Premier Rugby Sevens will see six men’s teams and four women’s teams playing in a series of tournaments across the USA and Canada. Notably the league is touting equal pay across gender though specifics are to be confirmed.
Already signed up are Men’s Eagles stars Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Carlin Isles, Folau Niua, and Stephen Tomasin. Women’s Eagles committed include Abby Gustaitis, Ilona Maher, and Naya Tapper. Many internationals competing at the upcoming Olympics are expected to follow.
The competition is founded by Owen Scannell, a former collegiate player for Dartmouth who was Director of Operations for the New England Free Jacks until the end of the 2020 Major League Rugby season.
Scannell has enlisted former Men’s Eagles and Rugby United New York coach Mike Tolkin as General Manager. Tolkin is currently a Director of Coaching for the USA’s u20 and u23 development programs.
“Rugby sevens is the most exhilarating sport in the world and perfect for the next generation of young fans,” says Scannell. “Sevens is extremely accessible and enjoyable for new North American fans and players. Our goal is to entertain fans through high-quality digital content and unforgettable festival experiences in attractive North American destinations and markets.”
The fall timing of Premier Rugby Sevens would make it an ideal selection vehicle for the World Sevens Series. It also provides further domestic opportunities for North American players as it does not clash with the Major League Rugby season.
A full schedule, team names, and player signings will be revealed in the coming months. Tryouts or player combines will also be held to identify new talent.
