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With Cwmtawe 7s being cancelled last weekend due to the weather, it has been left to Newport RFC to step into the limelight as Welsh Sevens continues this weekend.

The annual Men of Gwent 7s tournament will take place at Rodney Parade, the home of Magners League outfit Newport Gwent Dragons, on August 8, in support of the St David’s foundation.

Sevens World Cup winner Craig Hill will be playing for Newport RFC and will be looking to add to his haul of silverware on Saturday. Hill was part of the Welsh squad which took the RWC Sevens title in Dubai, even though they began the tournament as 80-1 outsiders.

Hill also captained Newport RFC to victory last season in this very tournament and he wants to achieve the same result as last year.

“We are definitely looking to retain the title this year. We set the standard at last season’s tournament and we certainly want to build on that,” said Hill.

In addition to the Sevens on show, the day will also feature the famous Dragons Family Fun Day with bouncy castles, face painting and rugby activities, and Hill believes this is another reason why the day is such a success.

“The Men of Gwent is a really enjoyable day of rugby. This tournament is a great opportunity to bring Gwent rugby-lovers together. It’s a chance to see new signings and returning players in action for the first time and is generally a great day out.

“We’ve got a strong team this season with lots of class. We have great wingers in Mikey Poole and Ryan Owen and it’ll be great to see the new boys Alex Cuthbert, who’s on trial with us from Hartbury College and David James, who has joined us from Blackwood, show what they’ve got. There’s no place to hide in Sevens so it will be a great chance to see what people are made of.

“In terms of favourites for the tournament, I know that we’re very keen to retain the title but it’s a short and fast game so anything can happen," added Hill.

As well as Newport RFC, other Welsh Premiership teams including Pontypool, Bedwas and Cross Keys will be participating in the Sevens tournament and are looking to get one over their rivals early in the season.

The whole Dragons team will also be in attendance, as well as the Celtic Crusaders Rugby League team, to rub shoulders with rugby fans, and it promises to be another exciting day of Sevens.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £1 for children and will be available from the Rodney Parade ticket office (01633) 674990.