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X-Rats celebrating the Byron Sevens

Tuesday 13 October 2009 (UR7s & Lismore Northern Star)

Southern Cross University X-Rats are in confident mood ahead of the 20th Byron Sevens in Australia this weekend.

The side is run by co-ordinator Dave Graham with more than 100 former of the University’s rugby players converge on the Byron Bay Sevens this weekend for a reunion.

Former Gold Rats player Darren Coleman is also now coach of the Brumbies Academy side and and has enticed seven Brumbies Academy players to the tournament. Australain Sevens skipper Henry Vanderglass is also expected to feature but his attendance is yet to be confirmed.

The side will also include three current SCU first graders and with Australian Sevens coach Michael O'Connor attending the tournament to scope the talent, there is everything to play for.

Interestingly, former Mullumbimby athlete, and Australian 400m runner Kurt Mulcahy, who ran in the World Championships, has been included in the squad since swapping from athletics to rugby union.

The X-Rats will also enter a social team in the 32-team draw, but most of the attention of the reunion-goers will be focused on the main team.

“Basically we decided to have reunion because it's the 20th year of the Byron Sevens and the 15th year since the X-Rats have been playing there,” he said.

“In the early days of Byron we were pretty competitive and used to give things a shake so as part of the celebrations and reunion we thought we would give the tournament a crack.

“We were also lucky that a recent graduate, Henry, was part of the Australian Sevens team and Darren Coleman is the Brumbies Academy coach who could secure the services of some elite players to help give us a side.

“We're pretty happy with the pool we're in (Decepticons, MOB, Central Hurricanes) so we should be in the top division come Sunday and from there anything can happen in Sevens rugby.”

Former Wallaby second-rower and Gold Rat, Justin Harrison, will also be in attendance after ending his playing career with Bath as will X-Rat and referee Brett Bowden.

“Justin will be there and be one of the guest speakers at the dinner on Saturday night and so will Brett Bowden who refereed at Super 14 and International level,” Graham said.
 

Tagged in this article: Byron Rugby Seven's

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