Greater Bendigo has secured hosting rights for the CFA Goldfields 7s for a further two years.
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The annual rugby tournament will be played at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve - the home of the Bendigo Fighting Miners.
"It's pretty unbelievable for us to host the tournament considering we're in AFL territory," Fighting Miners coach Dave McDonald said.
"This is a real boost for the rugby community in Bendigo.
"It's great to host the Goldfields 7s as a marquee event."
Rugby Victoria general manager Chris Evans said the tournament was supported by the City of Greater Bendigo.
"The CFA Bendigo Goldfields 7s is now a marquee event in the rugby calendar with over 40 teams participating each year," Evans said.
The tournament will attract more than 600 competitors with categories for men, women and junior teams.
It is also expected to draw in 2000 spectators across the two days of the tournament.
However, all involved in the annual rugby tournament see it as much more than just a sporting event.
The Goldfields 7s promotes living a healthy active lifestyle and focuses on "appreciating and understanding cultural differences and community engagement in rural areas".
This year's tournament will mark the fifth consecutive year Bendigo has hosted the Goldfields 7s - with the competition to be held from October 19-20.
Meanwhile, The Fighting Miners are currently undertaking pre-season training in the lead-up to the club's first game in the Rugby Victoria Championship division on April 29.
The team's numbers might be down - but all of the players are ready to give it their best effort.
"We've lost a heap of our players, so we're in a slightly difficult position heading into the season," McDonald said.
"We're just going to go out there and do whatever we can with the numbers we have."
If you are interested in playing with the Fighting Miners, contact Dave McDonald 0439 705 191.
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