Wednesday, 20 August 2014

National rugby sevens preview

The National Sevens once again takes centre stage at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, WRITES CARL FIELD.

Sixteen sides will contest eight first round matches, with holders Pontypridd kicking off the defence of their crown with a clash against local rivals Cross Keys at 10.20am.

Last year’s losing finalists Llandovery will also be hoping to go one better this year, and they kick off their campaign against hosts Cardiff at 12.40pm.

The eight losers in round one will then contest the Plate competition, with the final at 6.10pm, before the Cup final showpiece, which is scheduled for 6.40pm.

The squads are set to be announced tomorrow (Thursday).

A host of Wales internationals will take to the field during the lunchtime interval, in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre.

Matthew Watkins, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer at the centre, has organised a game of touch rugby to raise funds and awareness and many players have pledged their support.

Watkins and Dafydd James will captain the sides, while Tom Shanklin, Nathan Brew, Nathan Thomas, Gavin Thomas and Rhodri Gomer-Davies are among those who will feature.

Many others, including Matthew Rees who recently overcame testicular cancer, will be supporting from the stand.

Also doubling up as a family fun day, there is a beach-themed fancy dress competition, with the best dressed invited to take part in a kicking contest to win tickets for Wales v Australia on November 8.

Tickets for the day are just £10 for adults, £5 for Under 16s and £20 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) and are available now via www.wru.co.uk/national7s, with a print at home option and by calling 0844 847 1881 (Ticketmaster) or 02920 230130 (Ticketline). 

On event day (Sunday), tickets are available from the Cardiff Arms Park ticket office.

Full first round draw:

10.20 Pontypridd v Cross Keys
10.40 Cardiff Met v Ebbw Vale
11.00 Bridgend v Swansea
11.20 Llanelli v RGC 1404
11.40 Aberavon v Newport
12.00 Welsh Students v Bedwas
12.20 Neath v Carmarthen
12.40 Cardiff v Llandovery

0 comments:

Post a Comment