THE Australian Rugby Union and NSW Liberals & Nationals have collaborated to expand participation in regional NSW with a new non-contact version of Rugby Sevens known as Non-contact Sevens to be rolled out in the Myall Lakes electorate.

The roll-out of the fast-paced game, which can be played by people of all ages, genders and sporting backgrounds, was today expanded by Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner and members of the ARU Men’s squad.

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the nature of the game means everyone can get involved in a great community sport.

“The rules for Non-contact Sevens are different to any other game currently being played and emphasises fun, social competition,” MrBromhead said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing my local community get involved in the sport,” Mr Bromhead said.

Mr Bromhead said the launch of Non-contact Sevens is exciting for the area.

This is the pathway to representing Australia in the Olympics, as Rugby 7 has become an Olympic sport.

“Non-Contact Sevens gives an opportunity for players of all standards – whether you just want a run-around or want to take things a little more seriously – to play,” Mr Bromhead said.

“We trialled the game at our training headquarters in Narrabeen a couple of months ago and it was fast and furious. Most importantly, however, it was loads of fun!”

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said this new version of the game, which is based on Rugby Sevens, the fast paced and all-inclusive Olympic sport, provides local regional communities the opportunity to engage in a high intensity, low impact community sport.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to increasing sporting and cultural opportunities in regional NSW,” Mr Stoner said.

“This new initiative broadens the reach of Rugby into sections of the community that would otherwise not play the sport.

“Once again regional NSW is front and centre of this Government’s decision making with Non-contact Sevens to be rolled out in Wollongong, Armidale, Forster/Tuncurry, Central Coast, and Queanbeyan.

“This is yet another example of the NSW Liberals & Nationals honouring our commitment to increase participation in sport, recreation, arts and cultural activities in regional and rural NSW by 10% by 2016,” Mr Stoner said.

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said the new game was designed in response to the changing requirements of Australians who are engaging or looking to engage in sport and recreation.

“Non-contact Sevens has been developed following market research by the ARU and in response to research conducted by the Australian Sports Commission.

This highlighted a trend in sports participants wanting to take part in sport and recreation that is flexible and fits around their busy schedule.

Non-contact Sevens not only does this, it also provides team camaraderie and a positive experience,” Mr Pulver said.

The public can register their interest in taking part in Non-contact Sevens by visiting: http://www.rugby.com.au/sevens/NonContact