Now in its 30th year, the tournament returns to Penns Place on Sunday 3rd May. Since it began in 1995, it has always been built on the same foundations. Local pubs, good rugby, and a day that brings people together at the club. That part has not changed.

What has changed is the scale of it.

Over the last couple of years, we have started to move things forward. The day is more structured, there is more going on around the rugby, and there has been a real focus on improving the experience for both players and spectators. There has been a clear appetite for that, and this year feels like a natural step on.

We are working to a set capacity this year, with the men’s competition capped at 20 teams and the women’s tournament, which is being introduced for the first time, set to include up to 12 teams. At the moment, we already have 16 men’s teams confirmed and 4 women’s teams in place, with more expected to follow over the next couple of weeks. It is likely that the tournament will sell out, so if you are thinking about entering a team it is worth getting involved sooner rather than later. If you are keen to enter a team, please contact James Barden here.

The addition of a women’s competition is a big step for the event. It is something that has been building for a while, and with the growth of the women’s game locally, this felt like the right time to bring it in properly. It adds another layer to the day and opens things up to a wider group of players.

Both competitions will run alongside each other across the day, creating more rugby and a better flow across the site. The men’s tournament is expected to follow a familiar format, with four groups of five teams playing through the morning before moving into Cup, Plate, Bowl and Spoon competitions in the afternoon. The women’s side will likely be made up of three groups of four, progressing into Cup and Social competitions after the group stages. The aim is to keep things moving, minimise downtime, and make sure every team has something to play for throughout.

Once the group stages are done early afternoon, the tournament moves into knockout rugby across the pitches before everything comes together towards the end of the day. All finals will be played on Pitch 1, giving the event a proper finish and somewhere for everyone to gather as the trophies are decided.

For teams, there are a few key details to be aware of. Entry is £100 per team, with further payment details shared directly. Men’s squads are capped at 12 players, and each team must have at least one colt aged 17 to 19 and one vet aged 35 or over on the pitch at all times. We recommend having at least two of each in your squad. If a colt is 17, they must have written parental permission to take part. For the women’s tournament, there is no squad size limit this year and no colt or vet requirements.

We will be using the Tournify app again this year, which will provide live fixtures, tables, results and pitch allocations throughout the day. This will also be displayed on screens around the site, making it easy to keep track of what is going on whether you are playing or watching.

Off the pitch, a few familiar favourites return. Matt’s hog roast will be back again this year, with every player receiving a hog roast across the day. Food and drink will also be available from the clubhouse, although teams are welcome to bring their own. We will also have a small fan zone running, and if you are interested in having a stall, please get in touch with the Petersfield RFC Clubhouse Manager, Jolene, here.

Parking will be available in the back field behind the clubhouse, and further details, including a full site map, will be shared ahead of the event. We will also have professional photographers and a videographer on site capturing the day.

The standard has picked up in recent years, with a number of strong sides involved again this time around. Can Rugby Against Cancer make it three in a row, or will someone else step in this year.

The aim with the Pub 7s is to keep building it in a way that makes sense. It has always been a community event first, and that stays at the centre of it, but there is clearly room to grow.

This year is about taking the next step and doing it properly.

Event Details

Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Location: Penns Place, GU31 4EP

Entry Fee: £100 per team

Team Entry: Contact James Barden here

Fan Zone Enquiries: Contact Clubhouse Manager Jolene here

Capacity:

Men’s: 20 teams
Women’s: 12 teams

Squads:

Men’s: Max 12 players, must include 1 colt (17–19) and 1 vet (35+) on the pitch at all times
Women’s: No squad limit, no colt/vet requirements

Fixtures & Updates:
Available via the Tournify app and screens around the site