Sevens and Nines both raise the stakes

The Auckland Nines has provided a rival for the Wellington Sevens. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Sevens Wellington have revamped their format to try to get the crowds back as the NRL Auckland Nines promise to have a stunning line-up of stars in 2016.

The Wellington event has lost some of its lustre in recent years, and failed to sell out this year when previously it sold out within hours of tickets being made available.

Event organisers have announced they are switching to a Saturday and Sunday format - previously it had been Friday and Saturday - as part of a package with the Wellington Cup, which will take place the week before. The sevens will be on January 30 and 31, which is Auckland Anniversary weekend.

"We know that many rugby fans also enjoy a day at the races and vice versa," said Steve Dunbar, Sevens Wellington general manager. "With joint packages we can make it easier for people to enjoy both and not have to choose between one or the other."

Stricter rules around alcohol consumption have been implemented at the sevens and the Wellington City Council have clamped down on partygoers by imposing a midnight cut-off, although local bar owners remain unhappy with the decision. There are hopes a move to Saturday and Sunday will make it more family friendly and also mean fans won't have to take a day off work.

The nines is held over the weekend and has more well-known players taking part than the sevens, although the sevens should have a number of All Blacks next year because of their desire to make the Olympic squad.

Duco spokesman David Higgins expects the biggest NRL stars to feature at the nines next year.

"Last year there was the World Club Challenge and other commitments. This year is actually the clearest we've had in a while.

"A lot of big names will have a really good rest in the latter part of the year. We're expecting a stunning turnout - almost full strength."

The Cricket World Cup meant crowds dropped slightly this year in Auckland but more than 40,000 fans from both sides of the Tasman still attended the event.

Higgins said they would be announcing next year's dates in the next three weeks and also confirmed they were looking into the possibility of having NRL clubs visit local clubs and schools.

"It's very important for us to get the fan experience right so you can expect a range of activations around the stadium," added Higgins. "There's more than just the centre piece to our stunning two day tournament."

The emergence of the nines presents serious competition for the sevens and they'll hope that by joining forces with the Wellington Cup, they can re-establish the event to its former glory.

Wayne Guppy, Wellington Racing Club Vice President and Mayor of Upper Hutt, revealed the two organisations had been looking at ways of working closely together for some time now.

"To combine with Sevens Wellington to create a festival of world class sporting events over two weeks and three weekends is a great achievement for both racing and rugby - and for Wellington as a destination. It was an opportunity too good to miss."

Tickets packages for the Wellington Sevens and Wellington Cup will be announced in the coming weeks.

Set dates in Wellington's sporting calendar for 2016:

16 January - Tui Super Saturday featuring the J R & N Berkett Telegraph Handicap
23 January - Golden Homes Wellington Cup
30, 31 January- Sevens Wellington, Westpac Stadium
30 January - The Interislander Summer Festival Day