HISTORY OF THE SUNSHINE SEVENS
From humble beginnings way back on a Sunday in 1958, the tournament has progressively grown into a major event in the rugby calendar, so we are rightly proud to be celebrating the 68th time here at East Grinstead Rugby Football Club.
Led by the incomparable, the late Steve Cairns, the initial tournament happened when a group of eight teams came together to have a day of sevens rugby whilst at the same time raising money for the local RNIB’s “Sunshine Home for Blind and/or Deaf Children” which was located on the south side of East Grinstead and only a stone’s throw from the Club. They competed for the Lady Irene Astor of Hever Rose Bowl which was donated and presented on the day by Lady Irene herself.
From that first tournament the Sunshine Sevens has grown year-on-year as teams have come to recognise it as a top-quality event, played in a friendly and competitive (but charitable) atmosphere. It has attracted teams from all over the country (and Wales!)….and even a Dutch touring side with nothing to do on a Sunday!
1982
2025
Over these eventful years, the tournament, with the considerable generous support from its sponsors, supporters and spectators (of all ages), has helped to raise in excess of £270,000. It is to be hoped that on the conclusion of the 63rd tournament alongside a very successful ‘Golf Day’ held in the summer, that figure will be seriously improved to enable us to continue to support local charitable causes.
This year’s event will again be sponsored by Challenge Packaging, and the charities include local Step-by-Step School, a small local independent day school for pupils with autism, Wooden Spoon, a charity that changes children’s lives through the power of rugby.