Club rugby’s new summer showcase arrives this weekend, with the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and Sanlam launching the Sanlam Summer 7s Series 2026 at Centurion Rugby Club tomorrow.
The new initiative brings fast-paced sevens rugby to five club venues across the Blue Bulls region over the coming month, with 16 men’s teams and a women’s competition battling it out for Cup, Plate, Bowl, Shield and overall series honours.
This weekend’s opener
Saturday’s tournament at Centurion kicks off a five-stop series that will roll through some of the region’s best-known clubs:
- 31 October – Centurion Rugby Club
- 7 November – Harlequins Rugby Club
- 14 November – Harties Rugby Club
- 21 November – Grizzlies Rugby Club
- 28 November – Naka Bulls Rugby Club
Each stop will crown its own tournament winners, while points across all five events will determine the overall Sanlam Summer 7s Series champion.
Why it matters
Why it mattersThe series is designed to give club rugby a bigger stage. “Club rugby remains the heartbeat of our rugby structures, and initiatives like this create new opportunities for clubs, players and communities to be part of something special,” said Blue Bulls Rugby Union president Willem Strauss.
BBRU general manager Jaco Dames added that the ambition extends beyond the tournament itself. “Our goal is to create more than just another rugby tournament. We want to build a summer rugby product that attracts supporters, commercial partners and media attention, while providing a professional platform for amateur players to showcase their talent.”
Sanlam’s backing reflects a broader investment in grassroots rugby. “The Sanlam Summer 7s Series reflects our commitment to developing amateur rugby by creating a platform for players to showcase their talent, build confidence and pursue their ambitions,” said Anton Gildenhuys, CEO of Sanlam Life & Savings.
A festival for the whole community
Expect more than just rugby on the sidelines. Organisers are billing each tournament as a festival atmosphere for supporters and families, with the series also offering a pathway for emerging talent, men’s and women’s, to catch the eye and progress to higher honours.
Watch and follow along
Fans who can’t make it to Centurion in person will be well covered. The BBRU’s full media network will carry the series throughout, with live streaming via BBRU TV, commentary and interviews on BBRU Radio, features and results on BBRU News, and fixtures and live updates via the BBRU App.
Five tournaments. Sixteen men’s teams. One series champion. The Sanlam Summer 7s Series 2026 gets underway Saturday, where speed, passion and club pride meet.
