About Us

Florida's BEST and LARGEST 7s Tournament!

The Surfin' 7s is an annual rugby tournament traditionally played on the first Saturday in June in South Florida! We have run as many as four fields with 30+ teams, hosting all levels from youth all the way up to senior men's and women's sides. Previous participating sides have included the Mexican men's national 7s team, the Cayman Islands men's and women's national teams, and Carib RFC (Trinidad), just to name a few! We are undoubtedly the best-run and consistently the largest 7s tournament in the state of Florida!

Our History

2009: Our first event!

FAU coach 'Big' John Cawthray, with the assistance of fellow coach Gavin Curtis, created the Surfin' 7s in memory of a fallen FAU Rugby player, Jason "Hobbit" Weinstein, who unfortunately passed away in the fall of 2008 in a surfing accident. The tournament was held at Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach for the first three years.

2015: FAURAF takes over

The FAU Rugby Alumni Foundation took over the running of the tournament in 2015 under the auspices of Ross Devonport, president of the foundation, and his wife Andrea. The first two years, the tournament was held at Pine Trails Park in Parkland, Florida.

2016: A true international event

In 2016, the Surfin' 7s had its biggest team turnout, with 32 teams competing in four divisions. In attendance that year were the Mexican men's national 7s team, the Caribs RFC from Trinidad and Tobago, and the Cayman Islands women's national 7s team. We also hosted a full friendly Rugby Americas North 15s contest between USA Rugby South men and the Cayman Islands. The enthralling contest was superb end to the day!

2017: Return to Lake Lytal

After a three-year absence, the tournament returned to its historic home of Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach!

2020: COVID-19

In 2020, the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down most of the world, including all rugby events.