McAllister backs Sevens tournament

President of Carrick Rugby Club, John Strange (left), is pictured with joint-president of Wooden Spoon,Willie John McBride and Ulster forward Paddy McAllister at the launch of the Carrick Sevens tournament. Photo: Phillip Byrne

Joining him was ex-Lions and Ireland legend Willie John McBride who was representing Wooden Spoon.

The 24-year-old Ravenhill forward is again lending his backing to NGN 7s, which competed at last year’s event in memory of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence who were killed a farming accident in 2012.

“Myself and Tim Morton talked before the tournament about organising a team and the amount of people who put their hand up to offer to play was testament to the three men,” said McAllister.

“We had a couple of training sessions and we had a lot of support from the Ulster team as well. It turned out to be a great day with some great rugby played and we managed to edge it in the end and win the tournament. It was fantastic.

“This year there is a lot of interest again, and there are a lot of guys who want to put that jersey on.”

He added: “Sevens rugby is a tough game. It’s a whole different type of fitness. It’s exciting because if you beat one tackle suddenly it could be a try or a scrambled defence.

“The atmosphere at Carrick last year was fantastic. We had the likes of Chris Henry, Jared Payne, John Afoa, Paddy Wallace, Nick Williams and Sean Doyle who all came out in support as well and that drew a crowd too. There was just a great buzz and it was hard rugby which is always a good thing.”