7s warm-up

Rugby sevens is one of three rugby competitions on today and will be played at the BCI Stadium as a warm-up to the Constitution Sevens Tournament.

The warm-up CITC Sevens Tournament will continue with the grand finals next weekend before the Constitution tournament on August 1 and 2.

The tournament is only for senior A teams and will be a good opportunity for clubs to pull in their under-19 players who have been prevalent in the early stages of the club 15s competition.

The Panthers, who were last year’s sevens champions, will be led by Kairan Mahia, Conrad Piri and Turori Matutu and are sure to lead from the front with the Eels proceedings to be controlled by winger Duane Gukisuva and the Nicholas brothers Clive and Lui.

In the mix and sure to be a surprise package are the Ngatangiia Dragons, who will be controlled by Sailosi Nagi and the Toa brothers.

All teams will play tonight and at next week’s grand finals.

Pool A is made up of town clubs Avatiu Eels, Takuvaine Reds, and the Tupapa Panthers while the pool B country teams include the Arorangi Cowboys, Titikaveka Bulls and Ngatangiia Dragons.

Games start at 5.30pm. Sevens draw on page 11.