GRUPA sevens Rugby Festival launched

The Ghana Rugby Union Players Association (GRUPA) in collaboration with the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has unveiled the maiden edition of a seven aside rugby competition.

Dubbed the 'GRUPA Sevens Rugby Festival', it will be the first ever rugby competition organized by any players' union in the world.

The programme was held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday 5th September with various dignitaries and rugby stakeholders in attendance.

The official logo of the GRUPA Sevens Rugby Festival was officially unveiled at the event.

The logo depicts a rugby player encrusted on the number seven which is painted in red, gold and green showcasing the national colours of Ghana. GRUPA is boldly written above with Seven inscribed at the side. The one day GRUPA Sevens Rugby Festival is scheduled for 12th September, 2015 at the Accra Sports Stadium with twelve rugby teams from six clubs across the country battling for the ultimate prize.

The champions will receive trophies, medals, special prizes and other packages from the sponsors of the festival.

The fun packed event is open to the public and will also showcase tag rugby from kids. The women edition will also be held with vibrant ladies from different rugby clubs competing against each other.

Fans who will be present at the stadium will participate in a raffle, engage in a kicking competition and fantastic prizes will be presented to the lucky winners.

An Executive Member of the GRFU and National Rugby Tournament Commissioner, Mr. Steve Noi, who chaired the programme, applauded the executive of GRUPA for being the first to take such an initiative.

"I did some research on the internet and several places, and if I'm not wrong I think this will be the first of its kind to occur for any players group globally to organize such an annual event," he noted.

Mr. Noi used the opportunity to thank Mr. Herbert Mensah, the current President of the GRFU for his unflinching support and all executives of GRFU, who actively engage in activities to promote Ghana rugby.

President of GRUPA, Mr. Michael Ako Wilson said he is looking forward to a fantastic tournament and invited the public to be present to witness the beauty of rugby.

"We invite everyone to come and enjoy themselves. Come and watch the old guys and the expats play rugby, if you miss then you have yourself to blame".

The Vice President of GRUPA, Mr. Marshall Nortey said: "I foresee a day of fun, unity and solidarity to champion the cause of Rugby in Ghana".

He also used the opportunity to thank all the sponsors and appealed to other corporate bodies to support Ghana rugby.

International Brands Ghana, importers of T' Best Natural Juice is the official beverage sponsor for the event. Other sponsors include Accra Brewery Limited, Vodafone, Voltic and Wish Bone Commodities Limited, producers of Royal Atlantic Tuna.