AFTER SEVENS SUCCESS ON THE WORLD STAGE, FOXTEL JOINS ARU IN GRASSROOTS RUGBY PUSH

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION

AUGUST 15, 2016

Following a landmark Olympic year for Rugby Sevens, Foxtel and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) today announced a new three-year partnership and grassroots initiative designed to help more people play Rugby and lead an active and healthy lifestyle all around Australia.

Foxtel VIVA7s is a non-contact version of Rugby Sevens that is designed for all members of the family regardless of age to play together in one team. Played with seven players on either side, this tackle-free game is played with modified rules to ensure inclusion for all.

Deanne Weir, Managing Director, Content Aggregation & Wholesale for Foxtel said, “At Foxtel we are committed to supporting sport throughout Australia. Foxtel are proud to have joined forces with ARU for the next three years to help bring the Foxtel VIVA7s game to life. 

“This new grassroots initiative program joins our other programs in AFL and Soccer and further cements Foxtel’s commitment to sport.”

ARU General Manager of Community Rugby & Strategy, Andrew Larratt said, “Millions of Australians watched our women’s Rugby Sevens Olympic team win gold, and VIVA7s is the perfect way for them to now try the game without the need for tackling.”

“VIVA7s is fun and really easy to play. Best of all, just like Rugby Sevens, it’s a game where there are always plenty of try-scoring opportunities, so Australians young and old can experience the thrill of crossing the line to score a try.” 

“We are thrilled to have Foxtel as a partner to help us drive the growth of VIVA7s.”

Foxtel VIVA7s demonstration matches will be played during the upcoming Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship Tests in Sydney (August 20), Brisbane (September 10) and Perth (September 17).

Over 3,000 boys, girls, men and women of all ages and backgrounds played VIVA7s last year, following its launch in 36 centres across Australia. Another 148,000 students from more than 740 schools participated in National Rugby Week and “Game On” (a five-week rugby program for primary schools), during which they were also introduced to VIVA7s.