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Rugby chiefs have decided to scrap the fancy dress theme for London Sevens
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RFU is ‘aiming’ to shift the emphasis to a more family friendly event
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The crowd ill be reduced from 113,000 fans to 35,000 a day
Sevens tournaments around the world are traditionally known for their wacky fancy dress with spectators of all ages, gender and ethnicity coming together to enjoy some high-quality, fast-paced rugby.
However, London is now set to break the mould as they scrap the theme due and limit the capacity of the event due to complaints from Twickenham residents about unsocial behaviour.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said in a letter to residents: “At the RFU we take our relationship with the local community very seriously.
“We listened to all the feedback and believed this is the right direction for next year’s tournament. We will promote the event as a family-friendly rugby event across both days.”
The sport’s governing body will also reduce spectator numbers and limit the opening hours of the stadium bar in a bid to market the tournament as a more family friendly event, according to The Times.
The RFU reportedly told residents that the police were prepared to use a new “dispersal power” to control drinking in certain areas outside the stadium.
The Sevens crowd next May will be reduced from 113,000 fans to 35,000 a day. Residents will be offered 5,000 cut-price tickets.
Tania Mathias, the MP for Twickenham, had accused the RFU of letting down the community because of the number of drunken revellers.