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The domestic Australian Sevens season continues on Saturday (October 9) at the Fitness First Central Coast Sevens in Wyong.

The second running of the tournament will see Premier clubs such as NSW Waratahs Academy and Sydney University fight for glory. Sid Vaka, an Australian-Fijian Development Team, will bring some flair to a tournament by bringing two teams to compete.

John Grant from the Waratahs is one player to watch who recently rose to prominence at the Gatorade Bolt race where he ran a close second to Wallaby flyer Lachie Turner and ahead of other speedsters from Australia's various football codes.

Last year’s finalists, Sydney University & Tuggeranong Viking, also return this year in the Women’s event and are amongst the favourites in what is also expected to be a competitive competition.

“With sevens becoming an Olympic Sport there has been a lot more attention particularly from the provinces such as NSW who have entered their academy side. We are expecting a very fast and physical tournament with an electrifying atmosphere,” said Tournament Director Craig Morgan speaking to UR7s.

“We are very pleased with the teams entered showing last year’s inaugural tournament set a great foundation. We have attracted some great interest from very strong teams.”

The 2009 tournament saw the ARU use the event as a selection trial for the national team ahead of Dubai and George legs of the IRB Sevens World Series. This year is a precursor for next week’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi where the Australian national side have a realistic opportunity of claiming gold.

“It’s great timing hopefully we have a great festival and we can win gold a few days later. Hopefully we will assist in increasing the viewing of the games and the sevens,” added Morgan.

“Interest is definitely growing here and Aussies are very competitive and with the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Inclusion the drive will be for success and that means an increased focus on the game.”

Outside of the rugby this weekend spectators can enjoy the festival atmosphere with a family carnival of amusements, rides, face painting and a feature Hip Hop performance by Knockout during the lunch period. 

Last weekend saw the Oceania Sevens take place with events in Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Darwin and Kiama set to follow over a busy few months Down Under.

Related articles:

New tournaments key for Australian Sevens
O'Connor sees Blues win at Central Coast 7s

2010 FITNESS FIRST CENTRAL COAST SEVENS DRAW

MEN

POOL A

WARATAHS
YOUNG GUNS
SYDNEY UNI
HUNTERS HILL

POOL B

MANLY
GRADUATES
VIKINGS
BOMBERS

POOL C

IMPACT RUGBY
SID VAKA 2
WILDCATS
TE WHANAU

POOL D

SID VAKA 1
CENTRAL COAST
PARRAMATTA
VOLCANOES

WOMEN

POOL 1

SYDENY UNI
LA PA LOVLIES
WAVERELY

POOL 2

WARRINGAH
REDFERN LEGENDS
VIKINGS