Back in 1973, when they were involved in the first Kiama Sevens, little did these men know they were launching something that would last 50 years and still be going strong.

No photos seem to exist, the detail is sketchy and some of those who played a big part in the early days have passed away.

Kiama Rugby Club was in its heyday at the time, with three Wallabies – Geoff Shaw (the Australian team’s captain), Gary Grey and Brian Weir – and many other representative players. Ray Cleary was the coach.

“It was just a bit of pre-season fun,” says retired dairy farmer Gary.

Sandy Rendel, long time secretary of Kiama Rugby and administrator of the Sevens for many years, says it was a trip to Eastwood for their new Sevens tournament that inspired the local event.

“We didn’t win, but it was a lot of fun and we thought it would be good to have one down here.”

Sandy Rendel didn't play, but was unexpectedly roped in to be a linesman at the first game

Sevens tournaments were already popular in the UK, and the Brits in the team and the touring Wallabies who had seen it were keen to get the format up and running.

After trialling the format at an end of season match in 1972, the first official Kiama Sevens was held on the last Saturday of February as a pre-season warm-up event, with 16 teams from 12 clubs competing.

Controversially for the rugby union governing officials in Wollongong, who found out afterwards, Gerringong Hotel entered a team, made up of Gerringong rugby league players – led by John and Mick Cronin.

But for Kiama winning, that might have been the first and last Sevens as rugby officials were very protective of their amateur status.

“The final was pretty intense, with both the Cronins, and if not for some of the Gerringong team having a few drinks they might have won,” says Gary.

In the second year, the big teams came along and eyes still light up when those involved talk about Kiama beating Randwick.

“Right from the start it was a big hit,” says Sandy.

“From the very early days, we would invite Australian selectors along so for country teams in particular it was a great way to introduce new talent.”

He remembers when Queanbeyan left their entry too late and had to go on standby for the competition. Luckily another team pulled out, and they were able to introduce David Campese to the rugby world and the rest is history [he still holds the title of the Wallaby who has scored the most tries].

The location can't be beaten, and has been part of the attraction over the years

Other rugby legends who used the Sevens to help launch their careers were Simon Poidevin from Goulburn and George Gregan, then with the Tuggeranong Vikings.

With no Super Rugby back then, the teams used it as a warm-up for the season.

The list of greats who played in the Sevens includes Ricky Stewart, all the Ella brothers, Gary Pearce, Barry Stumbles, Willy O and Michael Cheika.

“It is a sport and social concept that has stood the test of time,” says Terry Wetherall, who also played in the first match.

“Although for forwards like me it was a bit fast!”

No story on the Kiama Sevens is complete without a mention of the social side of things.

“Right from the start a lot of locals turned up and there was a real picnic atmosphere,” says long time club member, Al Marsden, who played in the second Sevens and still volunteers on the day.

“I only have vague memories because it was the 70s, and a lot of beer was drunk.

“Beer was 20c for a cup from the keg, and the honour system didn’t work too well.

“They used to close off Bong Bong St from Manning to the trainline, as so many people would be at The Grand afterwards.”

Al Marsden was a member of the team that beat Randwick at the second Kiama Sevens, and all his mates know it

Streakers make a regular appearance to this day.

“It has been a magnificent addition to the town, not just as a sporting event but as a tourist drawcard,” says another Wallaby who played in the first match, Brian Weir, who was General Manager of Shellharbour Council for 25 years.

By the mid-90s, there were up to 52 teams competing and the emphasis was very much on the social side of the event, which led to fears about its sustainability.

“In 2013 we made the decision not to accept international or composite sides – you had to be an Australian club, so prize money would go back to clubs,” says Mark Bryant, who has been involved with the Sevens since 1994 and been Tournament Director since 2008.

“Because of the quality of the teams in the competition, Australian Sevens selectors come along each year to look at up and coming players.”

He introduced a women’s competition in 2009, and made other improvements to the format.

“If Mark Bryant hadn’t come along and taken over the fundraising and liaising with the rugby powers that be, we wouldn’t still be going,” says Sandy.

“He has protected our weekend, made it self-funding and it raises a lot of money for running the Club each year.”

Action from the Womens Country Cup

It is now the longest running Sevens tournament in Australia.

Fittingly, this year will see 44 teams compete for $50,000 in prize money spread across seven finals, including a new 2nd Division women’s competition.

“Both the men’s Cleary Bros Cup and the women’s Sebel Vase are equal prize money of $10,000,” says Mark, who is expecting over 5000 people at the Showground for the 50th event.

“Many of the clubs are treating it like a reunion and bringing old players down.”

A luncheon to launch the 50th is being held on 11 February, with Wallaby legends John Eales (guest speaker), Glen Ella and coach Bob Dwyer in attendance.

Both Glen and Bob have history with the Sevens, with Glen playing and Bob coaching the Randwick side.

On the day, the finals start at 4.30pm, after Touchdown Helicopters bring the trophies to the ground at 4pm.

“They are are going to be handed over by Glen Ella and former Wallaby and local Scott Fava,” says Mark.

The last game will start at 7pm.

With this year’s Sevens being a bigger event than normal, Mark is looking for some extra people to lend a hand on the Friday for set up, and on the day. Contact him on 0439 640 896 or use the enquiry form on the Sevens website.

Saturday 26 February, Kiama Showgrounds, from 8am

Tickets must be bought online ($15). Masks recommended.

Find out more, or buy tickets, at www.kiamasevens.com