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The two-day Rugby Sevens event at the Olympic Park in Istanbul has been won by Susies Sevens, as they beat the Moroccan National Sevens team in the Final.

The second edition of the Istanbul Rugby Sevens tournament began with 12 men's teams and 4 women's teams from Europe, Africa, The Middle-East, Western Asia and of course Turkey.
During the first day the group games were played, which resulted in the classification for the Cup, Shield and Plate on the second day. The group games were a huge experience for the less-experienced Turkish Clubs University teams, like the Istanbul Lions; Istanbul Young Boys; Uni 7's and Istanbul Kültür Üniversitesi (IKÜ).

During the second day Susies Sevens; the Moroccan National Sevens team; The International Ottoman7s and Olymp from Kazakhstan qualified to play for the Cup, whereas the Middle-East Technical University (METU; reigning Turkish champions in the Turkish XVs competition); the Istanbul Ottomans R.F.C. (an impressive third place last year during the Istanbul Sevens); Türk Gücü (Turkish National Team potentials lead by the new coach Niall Doherty); and the Arabian Potbellies R.F.C. (a social side from Dubai) competed to get the Plate, which was eventually won by the Istanbul Ottomans R.F.C. by beating Türk Gücü with 35 to 24.

A very first in Turkish history is the fact that there was not one, but two Turkish Ladies teams on the field: METU Amazons and the Samsun Sharks Ladies. Although they were not able to score a single try against the strong and far more experienced Olymp Ladies from Kazakhstan and University Muhammed Premier Oujda Ladies team from Morocco. The Samsun Sharks Ladies were able to walk away as winners from the very first Turkish clash against the METU Amazons, as the Sharks scored last-minute winning try of the game. As expected, the Moroccan Uni Ladies and the Olymp Ladies competed to get the first ever Women's Cup in Turkey. The game was followed with much interest by the spectators and other teams, which was eventually won by the Olymp Ladies.

The Moroccan National Sevens team beat the invitational team of the International Ottoman 7s, existing for this occasion of former and current German National Team players including Mustafa Güngör and Timur Tekkal; both of Turkish descent, with an amazing comeback from the Moroccans. In the other Cup Semi-Final Susies Sevens were able to beat the Kazakh powerhouse Olymp relatively easy, leaving Olymp to compete for the Shield with the International Ottoman 7s.

The final of the Shield was won by the International Ottoman 7s, beating Olymp 33 to 14, and taking the prize money of EUR 500 together with the Shield.
The Grand Finale, Susies Sevens against the Moroccan National Sevens team, was a true display of high quality rugby full with amazing passes, sidesteps, hand-offs and beautiful tries from both teams. Susies Sevens once again showed the Sevens community that they will be the team to beat in the Sevens circuit, as they took the title and EUR 3000 in prize money and the end of two halves of 10 minutes!
The Runner-Up of the Cup final, the Moroccan National Sevens, takes home EUR 1500 and a good experience for their tour and competitions in Africa.

The referees of this tournament - Mike Hoyer (England/Germany); Gary Allen (South Africa/Dubai); Ian Coltman (England/Spain); Dave Smith (England/Istanbul); Andy Miller (England); and Jack Russell (England) - deserve a big applause as they were able to lead the games without any troubles and especially for helping the inexperienced teams, like the Turkish ladies, to get familiar with the laws of the game.

Furthermore, the sponsors of this event Nescafé Xpress (Main Sponsor); AYGAZ (Co-Sponsor); Rugby Türkiye (Media Partner); Eurest (F&B Partner); OlympIst (Facilities Provider); SporYapi (Grounds Keeper); and Puma (Sports Equipment Partner), as well as the official and governing bodies SporToto, Turkish Directorate of Youth and Sport, Turkish National Olympic Committee and Turkish Rugby Union deserve a mention, as without them this event was not possible.

Next year's edition will include next to the Men and Women's tournament also a Veteran 10s tournament, which will be a part of the European Veteran Rugby Association tournament series. The 2012 edition of the Istanbul Rugby Sevens tournament will be held in May as well.