Press Releases

HORSHAM, Pa. - October 17, 2017 - United World Sports, the owner and operator of the largest annual rugby events in the United States, today announced that The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected life insurance providers, and one of the leading brands fueling the growth of rugby in the United States, has come on as a sponsor of the Silicon Valley 7’s and title Sponsor of the Collegiate Fall Rugby Classic, both of which will be part of Silicon Valley International 7’s rugby weekend at San Jose’s Avaya Stadium on Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th.

“Rugby’s growth in this country is being fueled not just by an expanding fan base and talented players but by business support, and there are few companies doing more in the business space for the sport than Penn Mutual,” said Jon Hinkin, Tournament Director Silicon Valley 7’s. “We are elated to have them come on board in two roles for this new and unique global rugby event, and are proud to work with them year-round on their efforts to reach their business objectives through rugby activation.”

“Penn Mutual has seen great return in our business goals through the support of rugby, especially at the collegiate level, and we are very pleased to be part of Silicon Valley International 7’s rugby weekend,” said Tom Harris, Executive Vice President, Distribution, at Penn Mutual. “The growth the sport is seeing in this country is tremendous and we are looking forward to a great weekend in November.”

The eight team field for the Penn Mutual Collegiate Fall Rugby Classic will be finalized this week, but already includes teams from Stanford, USC, and Santa Clara. It will be held in conjunction with the Silicon Valley 7’s international field that weekend at Avaya Stadium. The eight schools will compete in 20 matches throughout the weekend.

The international field for the weekend will mark the first time that squads from the Island nations of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, will be in the same event since the 2007 USA Sevens. It is also the first time the Irish National Sevens squad will play in the United States and will be the last international tune-up for rising nations Canada and the United States, as well as traditional powers like New Zealand, Japan and Australia, as they ready for the 2018 HSBC Sevens World Series. The Silicon Valley International 7’s will also mark the first time the Chinese National team will appear in the United States. England and Chile will round out the field.

In addition to 34 international men's matches, and the collegiate matches, an international cultural festival, along with an Island concert series will be held to celebrate the weekend.

Silicon Valley International 7s adds another international tournament to United World Sports' growing portfolio that includes the annual USA Sevens Rugby tournament in Las Vegas, which is the largest professional rugby event in North America and the annual Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship in Philadelphia, the premier collegiate Rugby 7s championship.

Avaya Stadium, which opened in February 2015, has a capacity of approximately 18,000 and is the home field for Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes.  United World Sports has also partnered with the City of San Jose, the San Jose Sports Authority and the Fairmont Hotel, which will serve as the official partner and team hotel.

Penn Mutual joins a growing list of sponsors that includes The Fairmont Hotel, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Avaya, Rhino Rugby and the San Jose Sports Authority.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster or SevensRugby.com or call Avaya Stadium at 408-556-7700.

About The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
Since 1847, Penn Mutual has been driven by our purpose to create a world of possibilities. At the heart of this purpose is the belief that purchasing life insurance is the most protective, responsible and rewarding action a person can take, and is central to a sound financial plan. The company is committed to helping families unlock life’s possibilities through life insurance and annuity solutions. This is accomplished through a national network of financial professionals, who help clients make great things possible. Penn Mutual supports its field representatives with brokerage services through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, Inc., Registered Investment Advisor and wholly owned subsidiary. Member FINRA/SIPC. Visit Penn Mutual on the Internet at http://www.pennmutual.com.

About United World Sports
United World Sports (UWS) is the largest commercial rugby entity in the United States, and the owner and operator of a growing portfolio of dynamic sports, media and apparel brands including, the USA Sevens Rugby international tournament, the largest professional rugby event in North America; the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship, the premier college 7s rugby championship. Through its apparel division, UWS owns the exclusive North and South American license for Rhino Rugby, one of the world's leading rugby apparel and equipment brands. UWS also owns and operates RugbyToday.com, the largest and most widely read media destination dedicated to American rugby. Additional information is available at http://www.unitedworldsports.com.

Contact

Joe Favorito
United World Sports
(917) 566-8345

Keith Bratz
Penn Mutual
(610) 228-2140

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