MINTIS
Grad Makarska
Grad Split
Turistička zajednica Grada Makarske
Tučepi
HEP
Kamgrad
Slobodna Dalmacija
CROATIA 7S

Welcome

The Rugby Europe 7s Series is the most prestigious rugby sevens competition in Europe, bringing together more than 300 of the continent’s best male and female players each year. As the pinnacle of the Rugby Europe competition system, the tournament features the battle for the title of European Rugby Sevens Champions.

In recent years, the Croatian Rugby Union has successfully hosted Trophy division tournaments, the second-highest tier in European rugby, confirming its status as an excellent host of major international sporting events. Alongside this organisational success, the Croatian men’s rugby sevens team achieved a historic milestone in 2023 by earning promotion to the top tier of competition - the Rugby Europe Championship 2024.

This year, both the Croatian men’s and women’s national teams will compete in front of their home crowd in Makarska, where they will face some of the best European teams in the Trophy division. At the same time, the elite Championship division teams will compete in Split, which will host the very top level of European rugby sevens.

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WHAT IS RUGBY 7

Rugby is a combination of strength, speed, tactical intelligence and togetherness. It promotes fair play, team spirit and respect for opponents. The Rugby World Cup, played last year in France, was the most expensive sporting event ever. 1.84 million tickets were sold, and 120 million people watched the broadcast of the final. Global coverage of the tournament reached 4 billion viewers over 48 matches. The Rugby World Cup is the 3rd most watched competition in the world, after the Football World Cup and the Summer Olympics.

Rugby 7s - a shortened version of rugby (with only 7 players on the field and 2 x 7-minute matches) has been played since the 19th century, and its growing popularity is due to the fact that since 2016 it has been part of the Olympic family of sports. In Rio de Janeiro, the gold medal was won by Fiji, who in rugby sevens are something like Brazil in football.

Short and dynamic matches are ideal for tournaments. The governing body Rugby Europe organizes the competition of the European Championship in rugby 7s through a series of tournaments in three divisions, and all tournaments are played in men’s and women’s competition.

Rugby 7s tournaments have a carnival atmosphere. A Hong Kong tradition (which has spread around the world) is for fans to come to the stadium masked. During the breaks famous hits blast from the stadium sound system and the audience in the stands sings and dances.

Croatia 7s

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CROATIA 7

Croatian national men’s 7s team with great games last year, won the transition to the highest rank of the competition and they are now in the company of the best teams of the Old Continent. Croatia will play against Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany... This is the first time that the Croatian rugby team is placed in the highest competitive group of European rugby.

The historical success of Croatian rugby is even more significant due to the fact that our players are amateurs who spend their time and money to be able to play in jerseys covered with red and white squares, but also due to the fact that Croatian rugby has much fewer players and resources than the countries we left behind.

The Croatian national team is made of mostly local players, born and bred in our clubs (RK Nada Split, RK Sinj, HARK Mladost Zagreb, RK Zagreb, RK Makarska Riviera, RK Novi Zagreb...), but also players of Croatian origin born in the countries where rugby is much more developed. For many years, there has been a strong connection between Croatian rugby and the Croatian immigrant community in New Zealand.

More than a few players of Croatian origin from New Zealand played for Croatia (in the 1990s, even former All Blacks: Frano Botica and Matthew Cooper). Current coach Anthony Po.a is also from New Zealand, as were many coaches who led Croatia before him. Players of Croatian origin from Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Samoa, Great Britain, France, Italy also played (or are playing) for Croatia... Love for Croatia and love for rugby is what unites them!

Croatia 7s

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MAKARSKA RIVIERA

Makarska Riviera is a part of Dalmatian coast of Adriatic, about 60 kilometers long and only several kilometers wide, squeezed under towering mountain Biokovo. Makarska is a combination of a cosmopolitan seaside town, with its pretty promenade, and popular family resort in summer.

It’s a good holiday destination for those who want a bit of a mix of everything, from beaches to reasonably lively nightlife, as well as a bit of adventure (hiking on Mount Biokovo, which looms over Makarska impressively).

The population of the town is just under 12,000. The town is easy to reach from Split (and it’s often a stop on buses between Split and Dubrovnik). There are ferry and catamaran connections to Bra., although plenty of other day trip excursions to the local area (to the islands, to Split, and more) are also possible.

Makarska

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THE CITY OF SPLIT

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in the Dalmatian region. Situated on the Adriatic coast at the foot of Marjan Hill, Split is a unique blend of rich history, Mediterranean lifestyle, and modern urban energy.

The city is home to around 160,000 residents, while the wider Split metropolitan area brings together many more people who make the city vibrant, lively, and welcoming every day. Everything is within easy reach — from the historic old town and lively waterfront promenade to beautiful beaches, cultural events, and outstanding gastronomy. Simply walking through the city streets reveals charming stone squares, hidden alleyways, and the authentic Mediterranean spirit that can be felt at every corner.

Split is a city of remarkable cultural heritage and more than 1,700 years of history. At its heart lies Diocletian's Palace, one of the world’s best-preserved monuments of Roman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alongside numerous museums, galleries, historical landmarks, and cultural events, the city also offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, excursions, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Adriatic coast.

The combination of relaxed Mediterranean charm, rich tradition, and contemporary lifestyle makes Split a city that captures every visitor at first sight. Whether you are looking for sports, culture, gastronomy, or seaside relaxation, Split offers an unforgettable experience that will awaken all your senses and leave lasting memories.

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CROATIA 7S
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