PETERSFIELD Rugby Club are proud to have been selected to host a UK Fiji 7s tournament at Penns Place on Saturday, August 13.

The competition was set up in 2013 to bring Fijians serving in the military and their families together.

Family is very important to Fijians and rugby is a way of life, so gatherings around games are very much in the national psyche and a big part of the community.

In Fiji, neighbouring villages get together to meet and watch rugby. Families sit around the pitches to pray, have fun with the children and support the men playing rugby.

Nothing like this existed in the UK for the many Fijians who serve in the military, so it was decided to set up a UK Fiji 7s competition. This brings serving members of the three services together to play a tournament in the same style as they would do back home.

However, instead of coming from their villages the teams are drawn from different units, garrisons and military locations. Some play for their particular units, while others put together teams based on their provinces or church groups.

The day embraces the core values of rugby – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship, while also celebrating Fijian sport and life in general. It also enables them to catch up with family and friends, some of whom haven’t met since joining the services.

Those familiar with Fijian rugby, and especially the 7s format, will not be surprised to learn that past events have been hugely successful: controlled aggression and passion with superb skills on the field, balanced by a relaxed family atmosphere off it.

The tournament is played using the normal 7s format, with pool games being played on two pitches to decide who goes through to three finals – Bowl, Plate and Cup.

Petersfield RFC chairman Stuart Barden said: “As a club we have always had a close connection with the services, with many military folk playing for and supporting us over the years. We are always keen to forge closer links wherever we can and this is a marvellous opportunity for us to show our appreciation for not only great rugby, but the job that these guys do for the country.”

The Penns Place clubhouse facilities will be open for the event and everyone is welcome to come and support.