WORLD rugby sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick will be the face of the Port Douglas Tropical Sevens tournament next month in a massive boost for the popular event.

The Rio Olympic gold medalist will be joined as an ambassador by her fiancé Lewis Holland, also a men’s national sevens player, for the March 11 tournament to be held at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex. Caslick was the International Rugby Board Women’s Player of the Year last year and Tropical Sevens Director David Cotton said securing her was a huge coup for the region.

“She is the biggest name in world sevens rugby at present and to have her here is an incredible opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on this growing event,” Cotton said.

“We are grateful to FNQ Rugby, who agreed to move its entire season by a week to secure her.”

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer, Tara Bennett, said the rugby sevens event continued to gain momentum and praised the addition of Caslick and Holland.

“I understand David made more than a few phone calls starting many months ago to track Charlotte’s manager father down in Dubai, and what a great result,” she said.

“Visitors coming for the event will not be disappointed as there is plenty to enjoy on and off the field.”

The first Port Douglas Sevens was held in 2011 and has since grown to be one of the leading sevens events on the rugby calendar, attracting local and international teams.

More than 10 teams are expected to compete next month including Papua New Guinea’s national team and representatives from Canberra, Brisbane and Townsville.

“We are still seeking sponsors, including a naming rights, to help with prize money, marketing reach and accommodation packages for visiting teams from PNG, Central Queensland and the Sunshine Coast as well as from within the Tropical North Queensland region,” Cotton said.

“It will be a terrific day out with a carnival atmosphere. People are encouraged to dress up in lots of tropical colour.”

The tournament is organised by the Port Douglas Rugby Union Club.

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