Carrick RFC proudly presents ... the magnificent Sevens!

A three-day feast of rugby and entertainment will be served up at Carrick Rugby Club which will welcome 50 teams, almost 600 players and thousands of spectators.

Commenting on the 41st tournament, a spokesperson for the hardworking Sevens Committee, said: “It gives teams from all over the UK a chance to get together play a bit of rugby and enjoy the entertainment over the bank holiday weekend. We get a chance to meet so many characters, and we have made so many life-long friends that return year after year.

“We have an amazing club with brilliant, loyal members, it gives us a chance to return their loyalty by putting on such a spectacular for everyone to enjoy. The event is planned and organised by the ‘Sevens Committee’ but there are so many more people who give up their time voluntarily to help make the event such a huge success and of course our sponsors, Diageo, Samurai Sportswear, Manvik, Abbey Insurance, Quigg Golden, Carrickfergus Borough Council and NK Group.

“We are also proud that we can bring so many visitors to our town and showcase the area in such a positive light. Every year we have so many players and spectators from all over the country and its great to see Carrickfergus buzz that weekend.”

Over the years the event has established itself as the traditional end-of-season celebration of rugby, both on and off the pitch. It commenced in 1973, when Alan Holmes, Ian Beggs, Wallace Luney, John Adams and Richard Price decided that Carrickfergus RFC should start running a tournament to replace the defunct Jordanstown Sevens and 40 years later it continues to get bigger and better.

Proceedings commence this evening with the Under-19s competition, sponsored again by Samurai, which will feature 12 sides competing for the Everest Cup. This will include sides such as Surrey Colts from England. If anyone should doubt the importance of developing young talent, the winner of the ‘Most Valuable Player’ two years ago was Iain Henderson who is currently a member of the Irish squad.

On Saturday Carrick RFC will once again host the Quigg Golden Open Competition, attracting 16 teams competing for the Holmes Salver all trying to wrestle the top prize from the Ulster Exiles. This year the NGN sevens team will be competing for the first time as a charity side.

The finale, on the Sunday, will feature the Manvik sponsored Qualifying League competition, featuring some of the best talent in Junior rugby, with CIYMS hoping to retain the Price Cup that they won in the inaugural tournament last year, however local finalists Ballyclare will want to go one better in 2013.

The programme will also have the additional attraction of the Ladies 10s competition, sponsored by Abbey Insurance. This will see eight ladies sides from across Ulster taking part, with Queen’s wanting to defend the title they won for the first time last year.

Launched in March with two British and Irish Lions past and past and present, Willie-John McBride and Tommy Bowe, in attendance, the Sevens, will also be supporting the work of the Wooden Spoon charity in its efforts to assist children with moderate and severe learning difficulties.