Rugby Poised to Return to the Gtech
Ground will host final round of Ultimate Sevens Championship
The tournament is also taking place in Cardiff, Biarritz and Madrid. Picture: Ultimate Sevens
July 10, 2026
Rugby is set to return to the Gtech Community Stadium this September with the inaugural season of the new Ultimate Sevens Championship hosting the final round.
The tournament, which will stage four weekends of elite rugby sevens across Spain, Wales, France and England, begins on 5 September in Madrid before moving to Cardiff Arms Park and then Biarritz. The season finale will take place on Thursday 24 September at the Gtech, where both the men’s and women’s champions will be crowned. Organisers say the competition aims to blend rugby’s traditional heartlands with emerging markets, showcasing a “fast, global, inclusive” version of the sport.
Managing Director of Ultimate Sevens, Barney Pascall said: ““Our ambition has always been to create something that elevates rugby sevens, celebrates the best players in the world and delivers a live experience that feels fresh, accessible and unforgettable. This September, that becomes real. The venues have been chosen carefully for their connection to the local communities and their ambition to deliver a first-class experience for fans.
“Making the Championship a place for new and existing rugby fans to access the sport has been part of our ambition from day one. We are bringing world class athletes into brilliant venues, highlighting the true short form version of rugby, a sport born fast. We want rugby supporters, young sports fans, families and people looking for an enhanced kind of live sporting experience to feel this is for them.”
The stadium that once served as the home of London Irish, whose tenancy ended abruptly in 2023. The Exiles played there from 2020 until their suspension from the Premiership in June 2023, after failing to meet financial conditions set by the league and the Rugby Football Union.
Since then, hopes of a London Irish revival have flickered but not yet materialised. In late 2023 and throughout 2024, various consortiums were reported to be exploring rescue bids, including groups with Irish backers and former club associates. None progressed to a formal relaunch.
The RFU has repeatedly stated that any return would require a fully funded business plan, robust governance structures and guarantees around player welfare — conditions that have not yet been met. As of mid-2026, London Irish remains inactive, with no confirmed pathway back into the English league system.
Against that backdrop, the arrival of Ultimate Sevens adds a new chapter to the Gtech’s rugby story. Brentford’s stadium operators have increasingly looked to diversify the venue’s use outside football and the announcement comes as the club is holding a consultation on holding live music events. The club has also confirmed that it is in discussions with Ukrainian football team, Shakhtar Donetsk about hosting its Champions' League games.
The final round of the Ultimate Sevens is expected to draw significant crowds, with organisers promising a family-friendly live experience and more marquee player announcements in the coming weeks. A player draft for the six competing teams will also be confirmed before the end of the month.
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