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more »The Weird and Wonderful World of 7s II

In a new feature to UR7s, we are bringing you some of the slightly alternative stories from around the globe which may have gone unnoticed over the last few weeks. Here is our second installment of the crazy and wacky goings on of rugby sevens...
High heels to rugby sevens in China
A group of Chinese girls whose idea of running involved wearing high heels and stopping when their phones rang, has played its first rugby match, says the Daily Telegraph.
The women's rugby sevens team of Shangrao Normal University, with expat coach David Murray, have been playing the sport since last August.
“We are in the middle of nowhere. Most of the English majors will end up being English teachers making 1,000RMB (£96) a month in a middle school. The rest will work in factories,” says Murray.
But sevens has given the girls an outlet to play sport and exceed standard social customs.
“It’s a rural, conservative university. The girls don’t really run around in shorts and short-sleeved shirts partly because it’s seen as ugly, added Murray.
Murray also describes times when in 100m physical tests at University the girls would stop to pick up mobile phones mid-race.
But that is all changing now with Sevens hardening the girls up and recently the side played against Shanghai Sharks coached by another expat Laura Cowan.
“We were a part of something very special. The opportunity to play an integral role in rugby at grass roots and support its development is both rare and an honour," said Cowan.
Police want Welshmen dressed as Arab
Sevens prides itself on the fun and feel-good element of rugby. But with many people using tournaments as an excuse for a couple of drinks, the odd unsavoury incident is bound to occur.
One such episode occurred last August at a tournament in the UK in Aberaeron, West Wales.
A 26 year-old female rugby player had a very lucky escape after being hit by heavy duty lawn roller hit her tent as she slept following a prank.
Police originally arrested 21 men but have since narrowed the search down since. After making one arrest Dyfed Powys Police want to speak to a man who was reportedly ‘dressed as an Arab’ what was obviously a fancy dress theme to the event.
Wales News writes, Police “want to speak to a man seen wearing what looked like a white sheet and a white band round his head as he may be able to assist them”.
A clear example of ‘banter’ going horribly horribly wrong is a good description of this incident.
In all seriousness though thank goodness the injured girl is fine. But do give Dyfed Powys Police a call on +441267 222 020 if you think you can help.
Cracknell misses London Sevens
England Sevens player Chris Cracknell has been suspended for four weeks by the RFU for ‘conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game of rugby union.’
In layman’s terms Cracknell was involved in attempting to break up an altercation between his old man and fellow teammate James Collins’ father. According to the RFU hearing Cracknell dragged a member of the public (Collins’ father) over the hoardings following defeat at Leeds last month. This was all in the aftermath of the Worcester Warriors relegation from the Guinness Premiership.
I’m not sure if Cracknell would have been involved with the England squad at Twickenham next week but RFU Disciplinary Officer Jeff Blackett rubbed it in at the hearing this week.“
“Chris Cracknell in particular will miss the London Sevens, which for an England Sevens player is a substantial hardship."
Any club that has experienced relegation will realise the intense emotions it can provoke and UR7s reckons Cracknell will bounce back. Perhaps we will see him on the park this UK summer at the National Sevens Series and at the Commonwealth Games in October?





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