Australian rugby 7s captain, Sam Myers, will be in Mackay with the team next month to take on Japan at BB Print Stadium.

Australian rugby 7s captain, Sam Myers, will be in Mackay with the team next month to take on Japan at BB Print Stadium. Vincent Yu

RUGBY UNION: Mackay has played host to an AFL and NRL match this year; it's now rugby union's time.

Kicking off on Thursday, August 17, the Qantas Australian Men's Sevens team will play an International Series against Japan in two days of Rugby Sevens action at BB Print Stadium, as well as getting actively involved in the local community.

"We'll arrive in town early in the week, so we're excited as a team to meet the people of Mackay and introduce them to this great game of Sevens that is booming around the world,” Australian coach Andy Friend said.

"This Series will be a crucial cog in our preparation, not only for the upcoming World Series and Commonwealth Games but also the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco next year.”

The International Series will form part of the preparation for the upcoming 2017/18 HSBC Sevens World Series, with the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast also looming large.

The Sevens team will host open training sessions and visit clubs and schools in the region during the week of the Series.

Minister for Tourism and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones said this international game was just one of the positives to come out of Queensland hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

"Mackay securing the International Series between Australia and Japan is a direct result of Queensland hosting the Games,” she said.

"This visit will provide a boost to the local economy and tourism industry, along with the benefits to the local community with school visits and open training sessions planned during their time in Mackay.

"The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games provide a unique opportunity for us to create a lasting legacy for business, industry, sporting and community groups, right across the state.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said Mackay Regional Council had helped secure the series through its Invest Mackay Events Attraction Program.

"Our Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Embracing 2018 Statewide Working Group has been working hard to bring Games benefits to the Mackay region,” Mrs Gilbert said.

"The 2018 International Series in Mackay will ensure the excitement and atmosphere of the Games reaches regional Queensland.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting for Mackay to be hosting an international rugby Sevens series.

"A goal of our Invest Mackay program is to raise Mackay's profile nationally and internationally, and this series against Japan will certainly do that,” Cr Williamson said.

"The Mackay Airport Beach Horse Races are also on a day later on Saturday, August 19, so visitors to the region can catch some international rugby action ahead of the 'event like no other' on Harbour Beach,'' he said.

"It will also be tremendous to have the Men's Sevens players developing grassroots rugby union in our community by hosting training sessions and visiting clubs and schools,” Cr Williamson said.

2017 International Series, Qantas Australian Men's Sevens v Japan, Mackay, Queensland

When: August 17-18

Where: BB Print Stadium

Kick off times TBC