The Ashby Sevens in Leicestershire will once again welcome a strong invitational contingent tomorrow (May 9) all battling it out for the £2,250 prizemoney.
This year the tournament will consist of 16 teams in four groups of four. Following the group stages all teams will progress through to the Cup or Plate stages thus guaranteeing a minimum of 4 games per team.
National Sevens Series core team Raging Bull Ronin are deep into preparations for the first leg at RugbyRocks on June 12, and will expect to feature well into the latter stages in Ashby.
“The team has been unsettled as I've blooded many new and young lads looking for potential gems. I haven't and won't be building my squad around household names and have been working hard on developing the current crop of players we have to step up this season,” says Beart
“Ashby will be another step up in our preparations and will also act as our final tournament, not including our Germany training camp, before the National Sevens Series at RugbyRocks.
Beart will bring back some Ronin regulars for Ashby but will have to do without stalwart Alex Gray who broke his leg at the successful Pocklington campaign in March.
“It has been difficult with many squad players playing club rugby till later than usual and county rugby taking players till end of month but it has allowed me to look at other options,” added Beart
Ronin can expect a stiffer challenge on Saturday with Isoa Damudamu’s Marchwood Sharks, Camarthen Warriors, and Marauders Academy all expected.
The Marauders Academy were victorious at Sunshine Sevens earlier this season with a number of their young brigade impressing significantly to play a part with the White Hart Marauders also. Manager Henry Pinto will bring another strong squad on Saturday.
Local boys Loughborough University showed promise at the London Floodlit Sevens but could be hampered with many of their key players involved in National 2 Play-Off against Rosslyn Park.
Redingensians will look to continue their good form this year, winners at Windsor and runners-up to Esher at the Middlesex Club Sevens.
Ashby Sevens 2010 (May 9)
The Marauders Academy, Marchwood Sharks, Walkabout Fallen Knight, KS Crusaders, Global Tika
1Scots, DMP 7s, West Country Cavs, Hinckley, Camarthen Warriors , Marauders Academy
1PWRR, Ronin, Boston, Redingensians , Upton 49er’s, Loughborough University