CARRICK SEVENS: Ulster's Craig Gilroy and Lions legend Willie John McBride to launch competition

Ulster's Craig Gilroy.
Picture: Presseye — Ulster's Craig Gilroy. Picture: Presseye

The launch and draw of this year's Guinness Carrick Sevens is to take place on Thursday evening (April 14).

British and Irish Lions legend Willie John McBride will be in attendance at Tom Simms Memorial Park, representing the Wooden Spoon charity and Ulster’s Craig Gilroy will also make an appearance at the event.

The competition, set to be staged from Friday April 29 to May 1, is expected to attract teams from England, Scotland and Ireland competing in six different competitions.

The tournament kicks off on Friday evening with Kukri Under-18 boys’ competition, and the Under-18 girls’ event, which was won by Belfast Harlequins in 2015.

Former British and Irish Lions skipper, Willie John McBride.

Noon on Saturday sees the Quigg Golden Open get under way. The competition was won by Edinburgh College last year.

The Manvik Qualifying league, the Abbey Insurance Ladies and the Guinness Ladies’ Development competitions are expected to run on Sunday.

Organisers will be hoping the weather picks up at this year’s event.

In 2015 the conditions were poor for the Saturday competition and although better for the first part of Sunday, the heavens opened just in time for the finals.