The Ricoh Arena has been chosen to host the final of one of rugby’s flagship competitions.

The home of Wasps will stage the Singha Rugby 7’s Series final on Saturday, August 6, when eight top teams will go head-to-head to battle for the crown.

The announcement will not only draw a large crowd to the city and a large television audience but also provides a major boost for the City of Rugby initiative that was launched to establish Coventry as one of the leading cities in the world for the game of rugby.

David Armstrong, chief executive of Wasps, said:

To have some of the top rugby stars playing fast and exciting 7s rugby at the Ricoh Arena is fantastic news, and helps the city with its aim to be a leading city of rugby.

Holding these types of events in Coventry can only help to develop interest in the game and driving up participation, whether that’s playing, coaching or volunteering.

The final promises to have a fun, party atmosphere as fans from all over the country will be keen to see how their team is shaping up ahead of the first league game.

This year’s Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series will kick off in Cardiff before visiting Exeter Chiefs, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons, with the Series Final at the Ricoh Arena.

The 2015 Champions Newport Gwent Dragons will kick off the 2016 series on 22 July as the four Welsh Pro teams go head-to-head in an exciting afternoon of summer derby rugby at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

The series will continue the following day when Wasps travel down to Sandy Park to take on the Exeter Chiefs in what will be the first time a 7s game has been hosted at the venue.

A week later, the 7s will return to Franklin’s Gardens on 29 July with the last group action at Kingston Park on 30 July.

Phil Winstanley, Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby, added:

The 7s Series kicked off in 2010 and since then it has become a date to look forward to in the rugby calendar.

Sevens is at its most high profile this year with its return to the Olympics in Rio and Premiership Rugby continues to lead the way when it comes to club 7s.

Last year’s final was won with a try in the last second of the final game between Wasps and Newport Gwent Dragons and we can expect this year’s series to be just as exciting.

Tickets for the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series final are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, and can be bought at half price throughout May. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.wasps.co.uk.

Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Schedule

Group A

Date: Friday 22 July

Venue:BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park

• Cardiff Blues
• Newport Gwent Dragons
• Ospreys
• Scarlets

Group B

Date: Saturday 23 July

Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter

• Bath Rugby
• Exeter Chiefs
• London Irish/ Promoted Club
• Wasps

Group C

Date: Friday 29 July

Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton Saints

• Gloucester Rugby
• Harlequins
• Northampton Saints
• Saracens

Group D

Date: Saturday 30 July

Venue: Kingston Park, Newcastle

• Leicester Tigers
• Newcastle Falcons
• Sale Sharks
• Worcester Warriors

Series Final

Date: Saturday 6 August

Venue: Ricoh Arena, Coventry