THE inaugural North Coast 7s Series kicks off on 6 November and will bring together the best teams from Northern New South Wales spanning from Hastings Valley in the south to Tweed Heads in the north.

The Coffs Harbour Snappers and SCU Marlins will spearhead the Coffs Coast attack with teams participating in both the mens and womens events.

There are eight teams in the men’s event with the Kempsey Cannonballs, Grafton Redmen Rugby Club and Hastings Vikings from the Mid North Coast with Byron Bay Rugby Club, Lennox Head Trojans and Casuarina Beach representing the Far North Coast.

The six teams in the women’s competition are Coffs Harbour Snappers, SCU Marlins, Byron Bay Rugby Club, Wauchope Thunder, Kempsey Cannonballs and Casuarina Beach Barbarians.

The competition aims to grow the profile of rugby union across the whole of the North Coast and is an opportunity for regional players to showcase their skills.

NSW Waratahs development officer Joey De Dassell said the North Coast is a nursery of talent.

“There are many pathways available through rugby union – the North Coast is a nursery of talent with many players both male and female going on to play at the highest level in Australia and overseas.

“With the most recent being Locky Miller for the Aussie 7s becoming an Olympian and Kaitlan Leaney and Brianna Hoy playing in the Super W competition for the Waratahs.

“Competitions like this give players an opportunity to show their skills, you never know who is watching,” said Joey.

Round one kicks off on 6 November at the Grafton Rugby Union Club with C.ex Coffs International Stadium hosting round two on 20 November and the third round going to Yamba on 4 December.

 

By David WIGLEY