Rugby Sevens’ players bound for Roma

Annual Sevens’ carnival kicks off Downs Rugby year.

Players contest a lineout during last year's Santos Roma Rugby Sevens. Picture: Ellen Ransley

RUGBY UNION : Step aside BBL. It’s time at Roma for rugby to share the summer spotlight with cricket as players converge on the town this weekend for the annual Santos Roma Rugby Sevens.

The Roma Echidnas rugby club welcomes about 20 men’s and 12 women’s teams to Saturday’s carnival at Gallas Fox Park.

The tournament carries more than $20,000 in prizemoney.

The men’s draw includes Melbourne-based Fijian team Island Breeze which will return to defend the Tanya Osborne Cup while the women play for the Emilee Cherry Cup.

The women’s final last year was won by Brisbane team Tribes Seven.

The weekend launches tomorrow night at Royal On Ninety-Nine with a Hawaiian Party and Sevens Calcutta.

Roma rugby club president Richard Bright said team participation numbers have again increased this year, promising a higher standard of competition.

“We attract a few new teams each year and every year the standard of competition gets a little bit better,” Bright said.

“There are quite a few composite teams and Brisbane players boosting our numbers.”

Bright said recent rain had brought welcome improvement to the town’s playing fields.

“We’ve had two lots of rain in recent weeks and the oval is looking terrific,” Bright said.

“We are expecting a big weekend culminating in Saturday night’s finals and entertainment.”

Saturday’s play starts at 7.30am.