Sevens set for Highland return

AFTER an absence of six years, sevens rugby will return to Canal Park with Highland preparing to play host to one of their biggest-ever tournaments in this format.

The Highland Capital club have confirmed that 24 teams from all over Scotland, including Duns, Allan Glens, Kinross and Perthshire, have confirmed their attendance.

There is, however, a real local flavour to the tournament with the hosts Highland, The Blackwatch and Ross Sutherland all entering two sides, while Inverness Craig Dunain, Strathspey, Caithness and RAF Lossiemouth will be competing for the Lauder Cup as well.

In addition, the tournament will also feature several teams from the East of Scotland with Aberdeen Grammar starting as one of the strong favourites, especially after their victory at Garioch Sevens last weekend.

Former Highland players Matt Heeps and Gus Milton will be bringing invitational sides and are sure to feature some well-known faces. The Stormrider Barbarians are a select team who won the social competition at Aberystwyth last year and have featured a number of Highland players in previous tournaments.

"We are delighted by the response from all the clubs and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Highland Rugby Club," said organiser Craig Little. "It’s a great way for us to finish the season by hosting the North’s premier sevens competition.

"The last few years we haven’t been able to run the sevens due to the season over running after the bad winter. We initially discussed the idea back in November and the tournament has built some real momentum with the clubs in our leagues and others wanting to come and compete

"Geoff Begg, Shonagh Gorman and myself have been supported by the club’s committee to get the tournament back up and running and it’s great to see local businesses offering their support."

Teams will be arriving tonight and the clubhouse will be open for welcome drinks from 7pm. Tomorrow’s action starts at noon with the teams competing in eight pools of three.

The top two teams in each league will progress to the knockout cup competition and the third placed team entering the shield tournament. The finals are expected to take place around 5pm.

There will be a BBQ and beer tent open during the day. Entry to Canal Park is £5 per adult, but free for under-18s and seniors.