While rugby supporters in the Eastern Cape are eagerly awaiting the first SA Sevens tournament to be staged in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next month, the South African Rugby Union has urged those fans without tickets to book their seats so that they don’t miss out on the most exciting rugby event to be staged in the region.

The Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens will take place on 9-10 December and fans can enjoy the action for as little as R80 on the first day and R100 on the final day.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will host the biggest rugby party of the year and with an Eastern Cape themed carnival vibe, the tournament promises to be 48 hours of non-stop entertainment both on and off the field.

Three former Springbok Sevens players, Mzwandile Stick, Mpho Mbiyozo and Fabian Juries – all hailing from the Eastern Cape – will assist in tournament promotions in an effort to fill as many seats as possible on each day of the event in the 45 000-seater stadium.

These three recently retired from international Sevens rugby to return to Absa Currie Cup rugby action. Stick and Mbiyozo were part of the first SA team to win the World Series title in 2009, while Juries is one of the leading Sevens internationals of all time. Fabba, as he is affectionately known to rugby fans, ended his Sevens career as the third highest Series points scorer and has scored the most Sevens points for South Africa.

The new home of the SA Sevens, situated on the edge of a beautiful lake and within walking distance of the city, is currently the home of the EP Kings who play in the Absa Currie Cup First Division.

Khaya Mayedwa, the SARU PR and Community Manager, said tickets sales for the tournament was encouraging but has urged Eastern Cape fans not yet in possession of a ticket to move early in order to avoid disappointed.

SARU has worked closely with the Metro and the Eastern Province Rugby as well as other key stakeholders to put together an exciting line-up of events in the week leading up to this eagerly awaited tournament.

“Rugby supporters from all corners of the Eastern Cape showed their passion and support for the game during the memorable 2009 British and Irish Lions match staged at the stadium. And who will ever forget the wonderful atmosphere local supporters created when the Springboks played against the All Blacks here in August in the Castle Tri-Nations?

“Ticket sales for the event are already past the combined number of sales for George last year. More than 20 000 tickets have been sold but we want to double that effort and aim for 50 000 supporters in 2011.

“England, New Zealand and Hong Kong are really good in creating an unbelievable vibe at their tournaments and that is why they attract such huge crowds. Our aim is to rival that over the next five years in a real top-class venue.

“We have something exciting lined up for each day in the week of the tournament, from when the 16 teams arrive at the airport until after the final whistle of the Cup final.

“SARU and Tag Rugby will hold a coaching clinic in the stadium on the Tuesday and this will be followed by a Tag Rugby competition. The top teams will get a fantastic opportunity to show off their skills during the finals which will be played on the Saturday.

“Also on Tuesday (6 Dec), the Springbok Sevens will give local fans a chance to meet their squad members during a team signing session at the Green Acres Mall, while all the international captains will be present at another meet and greet session the following day at the same venue,” explained Mayedwa.

He added that there also plans to stage a party concert on either the Friday or Saturday evening.

“The city is a very popular holiday destination with a lot of interesting places to see and many outdoor activities to compliment the fast, furious action of the Sevens rugby. Those who have not yet book their tickets must hurry and can do so online at www.computicket or any Computicket outlet nationwide,” said Mayedwa.

The Springbok Sevens squad left yesterday for the Gold Coast in Brisbane, Australia, where the first tournament of the new season will be held. That will be followed by rounds two and three in Dubai and Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth.