Johannesburg - Excitement and interest ahead of the inaugural NBM Sevens Premier League to be held in George in December is growing, according to tournament promoter Willem Strauss.
“The tournament is getting closer and closer and I think the excitement is really building into quite a vibe,” said Strauss at the launch of the tournament on Tuesday.
“We saw with the launch of the Kaizer Chiefs side that there is tremendous interest. Obviously having a million Rand at stake helps and hopefully the tournament can grow.”
Last week, football giants Kaizer Chiefs announced they were entering a side into the competition, featuring former SA sevens stars Gcobani Bobo and Breyton Paulse.
The tournament would also feature the South African Super Rugby franchises and six corporate teams, each privately owned.
The 16 teams would play 48 ties in the International Rugby Board-endorsed tournament.
Sevens icons include Brent Russell, Fabian Juries, Stefan Basson and Mzwandile Stick, who would play alongside and against international stars Alafoti Fa'osiliva (Samoa), Ben Gollings (England), Shane Williams (Wales) and possibly Quade Cooper (Australia).
Juries said he looked forward to being back on the field and playing against some of the world's best.
“It's very exciting because I haven't played sevens in a while now,” said Juries, who was set to run out for the NBM All Stars.
“I want to go out there and enjoy myself, hopefully we'll make the final.”
Sapa