Ignite7 Tournament Returns to Tauranga to Unveil Rugby Talent

New Zealand Rugby is set to host the fourth edition of the Ignite7 tournament, aimed at identifying the next generation of rugby sevens talent. The event will take place at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui on November 1 and 2, 2023. Organisers will select 48 young athletes to form four squads: Bolt, Inferno, Power, and Surge. This initiative seeks to discover prospective players for the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics and other significant rugby competitions.

The Ignite7 tournament has become a notable event on the rugby calendar, designed not just to showcase talent but to provide a platform for young athletes to display their skills. By assembling teams for both men and women, New Zealand Rugby aims to foster inclusivity and encourage participation in the sport.

The tournament will also feature matches involving the renowned Black Ferns and All Blacks sevens teams, who will use this opportunity to prepare for the 2025/26 World Sevens Series. This dual focus on emerging talent and elite competition highlights New Zealand’s commitment to advancing rugby at all levels.

Fans can attend the tournament at no cost, making it an accessible event for the community. The full squads for the four teams will be announced within the next fortnight, generating excitement among players and supporters alike.

With the tournament just around the corner, anticipation is building in Tauranga. By nurturing young talent through events like Ignite7, New Zealand Rugby is taking proactive steps to ensure the future of rugby sevens remains bright. The combination of competitive play and the potential for Olympic representation adds an extra layer of significance to this year’s tournament.

As the date approaches, the rugby community is encouraged to come out and support these young athletes as they vie for a chance to shine on a global stage.