Sussex 7s Series

Warm-Up Round

Sunday 26th April 2026 at East Grinstead RFC

Sussex 7s Series proud to champion the Sunshine 7s, as East Grinstead provides warm-up round in 2026

The 2026 sevens season will officially launch on Sunday 26th April, as East Grinstead RFC plays host to the annual Sunshine 7s, providing their three major competitions: The Men’s Elite Competition – Men’s Open – Women’s Open.

The teams entered for the Sussex 7s Series 2026 are invited to compete at the Sunshine Sevens in the Open Competitions, acting as a Warm-Up Round and the unofficial curtain-raiser for the regional series.

It offers local clubs a high-intensity environment to test their squads before the competitive series standings begin in May.

This is the perfect environment to test your squad tactics, and results at the Sunshine Sevens do not count towards the Sussex 7s Series, so teams have nothing to lose and everything to gain at this prestigious event!

To support the growth of the Sussex 7s Series the Sunshine Sevens are giving FREE entry to the Open Competitions for teams that have already signed up to Sussex 7s Series 2026!

What’s Happening on the Day?

The Sunshine Sevens Elite competition for the Lady Astor of Hever Trophy – the first fixture of the Elite Sevens season.
The Sunshine Sevens Men’s open competition.
The Sunshine Sevens Women’s open competition for the Steve Cairns cup.

It’s the essential opportunity for a full-speed run-out and tactical fine-tuning before the Series points chase begins in May with the opportunity to win a prestigious Sunshine Sevens trophy before the official 2026 Series begins.

"We’re delighted to champion the Sunshine 7s as we continue to support the Sussex 7s Series teams. Due to the collaboration and generous support from East Grinstead, we are excited to build on the vision both organisations have to grow rugby 7s locally and beyond. Teams get the warm-up they need, and players get the platform they deserve, to show what they can do." - Ben McNamara, Director, Sussex 7s Series

TEAM ENTRY

Sussex 7s Series Teams Given Unique Access to Sunshine Sevens

The Challenge Packaging 68th Sunshine Sevens will be at East Grinstead Rugby Club on 26th April 2026 with detail the usual three competitions: Men’s Elite – Men’s Open – Women’s Open.

This year the Sunshine Sevens will be supporting the Sussex 7s Series (in the Men's and Ladies' Open competitions) for those sides entered into the full Sussex 7s Series they get FREE ENTRY to the Sunshine Sevens Tournament with important silverware at stake.

"With 67 years of sevens competitions, the Sunshine Sevens are really pleased to be able to support the Sussex 7s Series, the development of sevens is a great pathway for Sussex players to develop their game. This will also help engage a larger base to support our local Children’s – Helping us Help the Kids." - Garry Gordon, Sunshine Sevens Chair / East Grinstead RFC

The Sunshine Sevens is East Grinstead RFC’s vehicle for raising money for Children’s charities, and has raise over £500k in its sixty-seven years. As well as the sevens, they also have a Sunshine Sevens Golf Day at the fabulous Birch Grove private estate, which raises an amazing sum. Last November at a pre-match lunch EGRFC had the pleasure of donating almost £42,000 to the following chosen Children’s Charities:

Step by Step for Autism - £10,000 to carry on the many projects within the school.
Wooden Spoon Sussex - £10,000 which will allow them to carry out more local projects.
CREW – Queen Victoria hospital charity – £4,750. Toward the cost of taking young patients with burn injuries on an adventure weekend to the Isle of Wight.
Court Meadow Riding for the Disabled – £4000 to support the cost of ponies which create such a calming experience.
Tadpoles Swimming club, Kings Sports Centre – £3,000 to support the running of the club and purchase much needed equipment.
Local schools, Sackville and Imberhorne – £4,000 each to support students who would otherwise not be able to go on trips or receive counselling.
Champion Chanzige Tanzania – received £2,000. With local schools visiting Tanzania on trips, this charity is helping young people learn how to deliver a more sustainable way of living, growing food and making clothing etc.

Garry Gordon continued "Thank you to all the teams and supporters who come to the Sunshine Sevens, making it such a great occasion, and to our main sponsor Challenge Packaging, Colin Prior for their amazing support. Helping us Help the Kids."

Learn more about Sunshine Sevens (including its history, pictures, and previous results) by visiting www.egsunshine7s.com