Australia’s largest annual one-day sevens tournament chalks up its 42nd year on Saturday at Kiama Showground.

Not a bad achievement for a competition that kicked off with eight sides and now regularly draws 54 teams from all corners of the nation, in addition to the occasional international invader.

‘‘Maybe it’s that end of summer feeling when you know the footy season is almost here or maybe it’s the attraction of footy by the beach, but there’s just something special about the Kiama Sevens and it’s a great day every year,’’ tournament coordinator Mark Bryant said.

A women’s Vase competition was introduced to the tournament three years ago, while other format changes have been implemented after Bryant held discussions with ARU boss Bill Pulver and former Wallaby Michael Hawker last year in Hong Kong.

‘‘That meeting laid the foundation for a remodelling of the Kiama Rugby Sevens,’’ Bryant said.

‘‘The results are that the Kiama Rugby Sevens would align closer to IRB laws, the ARU would appoint referees to increase the standard and the sanctioning of the Kiama Rugby Sevens would allow the planning for years ahead.

‘‘The remodelling also means an increase in playing time and games, which gives greater exposure to Australian sevens selectors, with 2016 Olympics a real goal for aspiring players.’’

Teams are vying for a slice of a $25,000 prize pool.

Host club Kiama are a strong chance to win the re-structred Country Cup, though the Jindabyne Bush Pigs might have something to say about that.

Canberra Easts and Hornsby are the early favourites in the main draw, while Shoalhaven and Camden are the hot tips in the Bowl competition.

An added highlight for spectators will be the 4pm delivery of the trophies by HMAS Albatross Squadron 723.

The full playing draw for Saturday’s game is available on the Kiama Rugby website.