The Castle Sevens youth rugby festival returns this April for its second year — delivered in conjunction with Kenilworth Rugby Football Club — and this time it takes a "major step forward" with the introduction of girls' rugby.

Running Friday 24 April to Sunday 26 April at Cowpatch (CV8 2AL), the tournament will host up to 40 teams, with as many as 480 young players competing across the weekend.

Organisers are preparing for between 1,500 and 2,000 supporters, making it one of the Midlands' largest grassroots rugby gatherings this spring.

Last year's inaugural event attracted teams from as far afield as London and Yorkshire, firmly establishing Castle Sevens on the regional rugby calendar. Momentum is building again in year two, with expanded age groups and the addition of girls' rugby reflecting the tournament's ambition.

In Conjunction with UR7s

Castle Sevens will once again run in conjunction with UR7s, who will be actively scouting talent on the day.

This provides ambitious young players — boys and girls — with genuine exposure and potential progression opportunities within wider 7s rugby pathways.

Festival Schedule

• Friday 24 April (6pm start) – Colts
• Saturday 25 April (9:30am start) – Boys U15 & U16
• Saturday 25 April (2pm start) – Girls U16 (New for Year Two)
• Sunday 26 April (10am start) – Boys U13 & U14

Entry is £50 per team, with squads of up to 12 players.

The introduction of the Girls U16 competition marks a significant milestone for the event and for grassroots rugby in the region, providing a visible, competitive platform for the rapidly growing girls' game.

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Building for the Future

Castle Sevens is designed to grow year on year. Delivered alongside KRFC — the largest single sports club in Kenilworth — the long-term ambition is to establish the event as a flagship Midlands 7s festival and eventually carry it forward to the club's new ground when the move takes place.

Organisers view the tournament as more than a weekend of rugby: it is an investment in youth development, community pride and the local economy.

With up to 2,000 visitors expected, the event will generate significant footfall for Kenilworth's high street and hospitality sector.

Sponsorship Opportunities

A limited number of local sponsorship opportunities remain available, and businesses are encouraged to get involved in supporting one of the region's fastest-growing youth sporting events.

For sponsorship or team enquiries: [email protected]

How to Register

Teams should scan the QR code on the official tournament poster to secure their place.

For full details and registration links, visit the event Linktree: https://linktr.ee/castle7s

With places filling quickly and national interest growing, clubs from Warwickshire - and across the UK - are encouraged to register early and be part of a tournament building lasting momentum for youth rugby in the Midlands.

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