Free tickets for firies and donations from Sydney 7s ticket sales have been announced as additions to Rugby Australia's plan to aid the bushfire appeal in the coming weeks.
Rugby Australia had already announced that $500 would be donated to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal with every try scored by the Aussie Sevens teams in Sydney but on Friday they expanded that list.
Over the Australia Day long weekend, $5 from every Sydney 7s ticket sale will be donated to the Bushfire Appeal and for every ticket sold, Rugby Australia will make a free ticket available for the NSW Rural Fire Service.
World Rugby has also announced it would match Rugby AU's try donation pledge, making each Australian try worth $1000 to the bushfire appeal.
Rugby AU CEO Raelene Castle said they hoped the event would generate significant funds for the cause.
: “The HSBC Sydney 7s is one of the most popular events on the summer sporting calendar in Sydney and we want to use the event to generate as much support as possible to help those affected by the bushfire crisis," she said.
“Rugby Australia will donate $5 from each individual ticket sold over the long weekend, so everyone who purchases a ticket will be contributing to Rugby’s fundraising efforts.
“We are also expecting to hand out well over 2,000 tickets to the Rural Fire Service to enable those who have put their own lives at risk and sacrificed so much over the holiday period to protect our communities to come along and enjoy a day out with their families and take in the festival atmosphere that is unique to Rugby Sevens."
“We are very thankful for the support of World Rugby, for coming on board to support the Try Time initiative, which means a total of $1000 will now be donated to the Red Cross for each try scored by our Aussies teams over the two days of competition.”
World Rugby CEO, Brett Gosper said it was an important initiative to be part of.
"The global rugby family stand in solidarity with all those affected by the bushfires.
"We are delighted that we are able to play a small role in supporting the affected communities via the HSBC Sydney Sevens and are extremely grateful for the support of the teams, commercial partners and fans, who are backing this excellent Rugby Australia initiative."
The Sydney 7s will be held at Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium, running on Saturday February 1 and 2. Buy tickets here.
