Now in its 30th year, the tournament returns with its largest line-up yet. Twenty sides are set to take the field, each proudly representing a local pub, bar or institution. From returning champions to curious newcomers, the day promises full-throttle sevens rugby, noisy crowds, questionable fancy dress and more than a few surprises.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this year’s tournament.

The Format

This year’s format takes inspiration from the Rugby World Cup – with a Petersfield twist.
All 20 teams self-seeded into four pots. From there, a random draw created four pools of five. Each team will play every other side in their pool once, with group matches kicking off at 10:30am and concluding at 1:15pm.

The knockout stages begin at 1:45pm, and this year’s structure aims to ensure a level playing field across the board:

• The Cup: The four pool winners progress to the semi-finals of the main competition.
• The Plate: Runners-up from each pool face off in their own knockout bracket.
• The Bowl: Third and fourth-placed sides enter the quarter-finals in the second-tier competition.
• The Wooden Spoon: The fifth-placed team from each pool competes for one of the most sought-after booby prizes in local sport.

The finals begin from 3:15pm, with the Cup Final scheduled for 4:30pm. All roads lead there.

The Teams

This year’s line-up reads like a local pub crawl with a competitive edge. Some names are steeped in tournament folklore. Others are out to make their mark for the first time.

Pool A

Courtyard Bistro

Led by 2nd XV captain Carl Sharrock and managed by Petersfield RFC’s Jorge Villalón Morrison, Courtyard Bistro return in green and gold, with St George on his horse plastered over the front of the shirt. After finishing runners-up in last year’s Bowl, they arrive as a side brimming with confidence and cohesion.

Rugby Against Cancer
2024 Pub 7s, Edinburgh 7s and Bournemouth 7s champions, RAC are one of the tournament’s most formidable entrants. Their distinctive sky blue, hot pink and white kits are now synonymous with on-field excellence and off-field impact. Their trophy cabinet – and cause – speaks for itself.

The Seven Stars
The Seven Stars of Stroud make their debut, fronted by PRFC players Karter, Will and Oli. With a newly renovated pub and a talented core of players, they’re unlikely to be making up the numbers.

The Clubhouse I
Petersfield RFC’s own first team entry is shrouded in secrecy. Built by fly-half Archie Whitear, details remain under wraps – but expect flair, familiarity and a few curveballs.

The Townhouse

A reunion of former PRFC youth players donning the turquoise, pink and ginger of The Townhouse. Expect nostalgia, sharp lines and, perhaps, a fairytale run.

Pool B

Duke of Cumberland I

Runners-up in last year’s Cup, Duke I return with a point to prove. Based in Henley, the pub is a hidden gem – their team anything but hidden.

The Clubhouse II

PRFC’s second squad. Veteran Gerry Devlin takes to the pitch alongside his son in a side that epitomises the tournament’s intergenerational spirit.

The Folly I

Mainstays of the Pub 7s, The Folly rarely miss a year. With PRFC players at its heart and manager Chris Ellis once again at the helm, they will be a threat.

The George

A pub-turned-Italian restaurant with a Star Wars-inspired kit. On May 4th, they return dressed as Sith Lords. Don’t expect mercy.

Upton Park Bar

A West Ham-inspired side born from Club Chairman Stuart Barden’s very own home bar. The spine of the squad hails from Liverpool John Moores University, and they’ll want to go
one better than last year’s Plate final loss.

Pool C

Harting Stores

Representing the village of Harting, this team of local residents debuts in 2025 with a strong off-pitch set-up and a camo-coloured kit. The whispers of a Trojan Horse might not be entirely unfounded.

The Queens Head

A firm favourite in Sheet, they return kitted out as the Resistance. With plenty of ex-PRFC players among the ranks, a match-up with The George is one to watch.

The Temple Inn

Back again from Liss, The Temple Inn has its sights set on silverware. Last year’s campaign showed promise — this time they’ll want results.

The Folly II

A second side from Petersfield’s party pub. Expect wellies, chaos and at least one appearance from Luffy.

Whippet Inn

An enigma. Said to be composed of Havant and Worthing RFC players, the Whippet Inn remains unfindable on Google Maps. Their rugby, however, will be hard to miss.

Pool D

The Dolphin

Fresh from winning Hampshire Counties 1, The Dolphin arrive as county champions. They’ll be back at Penns Place as a Regional 2 side next season – and this tournament is their chance to celebrate a special season.

Duke of Cumberland II

Last year’s Plate winners, this side is more than a supporting act. Led by Nicko Caines, they could spring a surprise or two.

The Cricketers Inn

Led by PRFC forward Harry McGarr, this Steep-based pub returns under its 1997-winning name. Pink, black and white kits. Strong pedigree.

The Scholar

Formerly Tropiloco, The Scholar is the more social arm of Upton Park Bar. Back to defend their Wooden Spoon title, but with eyes on a new prize.

Vikings 7s

Made up of Portsmouth RFC players, Vikings 7s arrive fresh from a strong campaign and may be looking to settle a few scores from the league season.

Women’s Rugby Unleashed

For the first time in over two decades, women’s rugby returns to the Pub 7s. In partnership with University of Portsmouth Women’s Rugby, this new showcase will feature matches, skills sessions, and a headline fixture before the men’s Cup Final.

The day forms part of a wider push to grow the women’s game in the region, with Petersfield RFC set to launch its own women’s side this summer.

The Next Gen Tournament

New for 2025, the Next Gen Youth Touch Rugby Tournament will bring U13–U16 players to the heart of the action. Played on Pitch 4 and culminating in a final on Pitch 1 just before the Cup Final, this initiative ensures that the next generation shares the spotlight.
No sign-up needed – just turn up, join in, and play.

Food and Drink

Off the pitch, there’s no shortage of sustenance.

• Dylan’s Ice Cream to cool the crowd.
• Scrumptious Homebakes makes its debut with proper cakes in the Fan Zone.
• Matt’s Hog Roast is back – each player gets a complimentary roll, and everyone else should queue early.
• The Ram BBQ, club-run and ever-reliable, serves all day.
• The Club Café handles coffees, snacks and soft drinks.

On the liquid side:

• The Ram Shack – a new outdoor bar hand-built by Club Captain Harley Orr – serves Pimm’s and more.
• The Outdoor Bar will pour draught beers and other refreshments.
• Facilities

A well-timed plumbing issue means the changing room toilets and showers are out of action. But don’t panic:

• The Clubhouse has six cubicles, urinals and accessible facilities.
• Fourteen portaloos and an accessible toilet are stationed in the Fan Zone.

The Digital Shift

This year, for the first time, Pub 7s goes digital.

Thanks to tournament software provider Tournify, live scores, standings and schedules will be available throughout the day via the app or web version.

Multiple TV screens across the site will keep everyone up to speed. No more huddling round Julia’s table for updates — although she’ll still be watching, clipboard or not.

Timings

9:00am – Team arrivals and set-up
10:30am – Pool games begin
1:15pm – Lunch break
1:30pm – Women’s Rugby Unleashed / Next Gen KO
1:45pm – Knockout stages begin
3:15pm – Finals begin
4:15pm – Youth Final (Pitch 1)
4:22pm – Women’s Showcase Match
4:30pm – Men’s Cup Final
5:00pm – Trophy Presentation
5:30pm – Event close

Charity Trek – Rugby Against Cancer

Don’t miss the arrival of dozens of walkers from Rugby Against Cancer, who will be stopping off in a mammoth trek from Twickenham to Portsmouth on Sunday morning. Be sure to welcome them warmly — and donate generously at their tent on-site.

From sun-up to sundown, the 2025 Petersfield Pub 7s promises another unforgettable day of community, competition and classic grassroots rugby. Whether you’re playing, watching, cheering or simply enjoying the ride — we’ll see you at Penns Place.

And if that information wasn’t enough, check out the official programme, map and trailer through the link below!