THE WRU National 7s tournament has been moved from Cardiff to Llanelli and will be played next month rather than as an August curtain-raiser.

The competition – formerly the Foster's 7s and now the Heineken 7s – will be played at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, May 27 rather than at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

All 16 Principality Premiership teams will compete, with Llandovery defending their title, while the four regional women's sides will lock horns after the Dragons were crowned champions in 2016.

The move has been made because clubs were previously concentrating on the start of their 15-a-side campaigns, with many fielding fringe players having played friendlies in the days leading up to the tournament.

WRU head of rugby performance Geraint John said, "We changed the date of the tournament following discussion with the Premiership clubs and in view of the international sevens schedule.

"At the end of August, Premiership sides are focussed on the start of the 15-a-side season, whereas at the end of May, they can concentrate on sevens, albeit for a short time.

"Also, by September, our national sevens coaches are close to finalising their squad for the World Series.

"By holding the Heineken 7s at the end of May players will have a chance to impress the coaches to claim a place in the squad for the Rugby Europe sevens tournaments in June and July. From there, they could well be selected for the World Series.

"We have already seen in the likes of Steff Andrews and Jack Maynard that players who impress at this tournament can go onto play for Wales Sevens, and moving the date of the event should accelerate that process.

"We will hopefully compete at the Commonwealth Games next year – with female as well as male teams – and we have the Rugby World Cup Sevens next year too.

"This tournament could be the start of a very exciting process for both men and women involved."

Tickets for the day-long event are available at tickets.scarlets.wales or by calling 0871 871 8088 There is a special offer available for participating teams including a coach to and from the event from their home club.

For £15 per person (based on minimum of 49 people), they will receive club seats and access to the Quinnell Lounge as well as coach travel.