MEDIA RELEASE
2 November 2018

A record number of teams have entered the Dewar Shield club sevens tournament which will kick off at the Tikorangi Domain on Sunday.   

31 teams, spread across four divisions, will compete for prize money in the annual tournament hosted by the Clifton Rugby and Sports Club.

Southern will look to continue their form in the tournament eyeing up back-to-back titles. They will play Clifton, Inglewood, New Plymouth Old Boys, Spotswood United and Tukapa in the men’s premier division with the top two men’s teams gaining entry into the final. There is added incentive for the premier grade with $2,000.00 prize money up for grabs.

The CMK Taranaki men’s sevens team will be named after the tournament providing opportunities for players to impress coaches Johnny Weston and Tim Stuck. The Port Taranaki women’s sevens team will also be selected after the tournament.  

Five teams have been entered in the women’s division with the top two teams automatically placed into the final – like the men’s grade.

Fielding High School, New Plymouth Boys High School, Francis Douglas Memorial College and the Maori Pasifika Rugby Academy have entered in the Under 21 grade which will comprise of four pools of three.

The social men’s grade will be split across two pools of four with the winners of each pool entering the final.

Winners of the remaining grades will receive $1,000.00 prize money.

Community Rugby Manager Cole Brown said while there will be plenty of action on the field, the Clifton Rugby and Sports Club has assisted the Union with off-field initiatives. 

“This event is going to be huge. There will be a big screen and live streaming of the matches, music playing, food trucks and activities for families making a great atmosphere which is something we haven’t seen before,” he said.

Brown said there will be spot prizes for the best goose step and fastest club rely.

“Having these extra initiatives and prizes entices teams to join in on the fun which is evident by the record number of teams entered this weekend.”

Brown thanked all teams and clubs who have entered the tournament this year and encouraged families, club supporters and rugby fans to head along.

Aspect Signs, MAD Media, Taranaki Hardcore and Jet Charm Barbers have jumped on board as sponsors of the event which kicks off at 9:50am.

The first round of finals kicks off at 4:30pm with the men’s and women’s finals being played at 5:10pm and 5:30pm respectively.

Teams:

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact;
Cole Brown
TRFU Community Rugby Manager
cole@trfu.co.nz
021 114 6860

Article added: Friday 02 November 2018