THIS year’s Harvard 7s Rugby Festival will take place at St Mary’s College Ground, Serpentine Road, St Clair, from December 3-4.
And for the first time there will be competition for women and children. Harvard chairman Anthony Loregnard said that the tournament will comprise a blend of top class men and women rugby as well as fun-oriented touch rugby for all ages.
According to Loregnard, since the Harvard club was founded in 1943 they have always placed emphasis on the community aspect of the sport and not just competition.
“Rugby has tremendous value as a family oriented activity that can build physical fitness and social interaction. This year we are broadening the reach of the tournament” Loregnard said.
The tournament will also feature a novice category that will comprise mixed teams.
The Harvard rugby boss explained, “We are looking at new ideas and concepts to keep the tournament innovative and exciting. The novice event is targetted at persons who have never played rugby before. There will also be an Under-17, Over 35 division, Under-12 and Under-10 division. There is growing interests in the sport locally. Our aim is to engage a wider cross-section, in an effort to position and highlight rugby as a sport for all.”
The Harvard rugby tournament was first staged in 1988 as the Red Stripe Rugby Classic. “It has been a long journey to date. We have had our ups and downs but we have remained dedicated to staging the tournament as it mirrors the history of rugby in TT.”
Source: www.newsday.co.tt