Once again it was time to head back to what is probably THE most spectacular stadium (and backdrop) at any 7s event in the world. Sevens on the Rock was back bigger and better than ever.
With not only an expansion of the rugby with a significant increase in the number of teams meaning three and a half days of rugby but a whole new (and significantly increased) operational & broadcast element, the challenge was well and truly laid down.
On the field our team of officials (and their side line colleagues) was the biggest yet for the Gib 7s and included World Cup referees Karl Dickson and Jonathan Kaplan, not only bringing their amazing experiences to the field but assisting and coaching the rest of the match official team.
Check out their interviews here
Thursday kicked off with the Vets, two teams anxiously waiting in the tunnel for the signal to run into the afternoon sun for game number one. Heads turned and whispers ran down the lines of players, behind them stood three very reconisible faces waiting to take charge of the game. With almost 150 international games between them in 7s and 15s were Karl Dickson, Jonathan Kaplin and Sevens Referee Director, Mike Mulroy, six experienced eyes looking on, at least trying to keep them in line!
Off field our team continued with broadcast, commentary and technical all housed on a huge specially erected scaffold on the far side of the pitch featuring camera gantrys, technical zones, tournament control, production, commentary and even a studio.
With 23 teams across 4 competitions to organise, manage and support as well as celebrities including rugby legend Freddie Tuilagi to organise, sleep was a rare commodity for our Management Team but we wouldn't have it any other way. In true Sevens Referee tradition the team Played Hard but Worked Harder.
If you'd like to find out more about what we do and how we can do it for your event, get in touch.
