It started the way all great rugby ideas do: a few lads, a six-pack, and a beat-up ball on Siesta Key Beach.
What began as casual summer sessions to keep the Sarasota Rugby Club squad in shape quickly became something more. Every week, the group got bigger. New faces showed up: some curious locals, some seasoned players, some just chasing the sunset (and the cooler). Before long, it wasn't just training. It was a ritual. A community.
Then someone asked the question: "We're on America's #1 beach... why don't we throw a proper tournament?"
And honestly? The logic was bulletproof: everyone loves rugby, everyone loves Siesta Key, and nobody's ever said no to a cold beer. So the crew (Gary Jones, Ross Galbraith, RJ Dixon, Shaun Lulofs, Luke Paige, Jake Combe, and the rest of the Sarasota Rugby family) decided to make it happen.
Sure, there's a certain beach rugby tournament down south that calls itself "the world's greatest." Nice try, lads. But let's be honest: we've got the whitest sand in America, better looking players (debatable, but we stand by it), and a pub crawl route that doesn't require a GPS and a prayer. No shade, Beerfoot... 🍺
(And yes, there have been reports of beached whales in Sarasota. Turns out it was just us crawling out of the water after the post-match cooler session.)
Some of our best memories as a club were made at tournaments just like this: scrums by the surf, tackles in the tide, and friendships forged between the lines. We thought: why travel when we can bring it home?
So here we are. Siesta 7s. Born from a six-pack and a dream. Built for everyone, from elite players to first-timers who just want to feel the sand between their toes (and probably everywhere else). Welcome to the beach. Welcome to the family.
