• • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Technorati
  • Reddit
  • Stumble Upon
  • Furl

Worthing RFC is the next stop for the UK Sevens season when their annual tournament kicks off on Saturday (25th July).

The club has a long standing tradition as a venue for the 7 a-side game, having hosted for Sussex Sevens since its inception in 1935. The Club’s teams can also boast successes over the years, featuring at Middlesex Sevens on three occasions.

Some of the UK’s top teams once again will be descending upon Rugby Park to battle it out in both the Invitational and Open competitions.

Defending champions, the British Army, are the favourites to defend their Invitational crown and are currently brimming with confidence following a big win down in Newquay last weekend. This was on the back of further wins at Bath, with their preparations for the Middlesex Sevens going as well as possible.

Hot on their heels will be Terry Butler’s McCallum Scorpions, winners of the Church Sevens back in May. Butler is also the tournament’s organiser this year. Apache, Marauders Academy, and the Royal Navy could also potentially challenge for the title but have their work cut out.

The major challengers from Wales will be the Glantaff Goats who have had the likes of Tom Isaacs (World Cup Sevens winner) and British Lion Jamie Roberts turn out for them in the past. The Goats were at both Manchester and Newquay but are stepping up a level this weekend by playing in the Invitational.

In the Open competition there are some familiar names with the Pink Indians and the youngsters from On Fire Disciples looking to take the major honours, with home side Worthing RFC also in the running. The Dog and Duck Outwood, a new team formed this season, are another side who could spring a surprise.

The organisers have high hopes for the future of the event with aspirations to extend the tournament to the Sunday as well, adding a Ladies competition.

Help get rugby into the Olympics - see how you can PLAY YOUR PART...