Limerick Gears Up For World Club 7s

The official launch of the Limerick World Club Sevens Festival will take place tonight at King John’s Castle, Limerick, as the city prepares to host 12 teams from 5 continents on the weekend of August 9th and 10th.

With a number of the teams also competing in the World Club 7’s in Twickenham the following weekend, many famous sides in world rugby will descend upon Limerick. Club sides include Saracens, Stade Francais, Munster, New South Wales Waratahs, Auckland Rugby, South Africa’s Blue Bulls and Western Province, and Fijian club side Daveta Rugby. The line-up also includes 7s teams from a range of famous cities around the world including Moscow, Vancouver, New York and San Francisco.

Munster will have an abundance of pace to draw upon with the likes of Gerhard van Den Heever, Luke O’Dea and Ronan O’Mahony possible inclusions on the Munster side.

O’Mahony impressed out wide last season, proving a thorn in the side for London Irish with a hat-trick of tries against the Exiles in September’s pre-season friendly, while South African flyer Van den Heever would undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with on the 7’s field. The fact the Munster winger once inherited the great Bryan Habana's number 11 shirt following his departure from the Bulls speaks volumes as to his great pace and ability.

The Munster 7s side will be coached by Munster Rugby Elite Player Development Officer, Colm McMahon.
Having played for the province from 1999 to 2004, McMahon also represented Ireland at 7’s and is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s very exciting to have such a big event coming to Thomond Park and we’re even more delighted that Munster will have a team in the competition.

“In the main you need a lot of pace, but you have to keep an eye on the physicality of the game as well, which can be quite bruising. We are looking for a good mix and we’re fortunate to have a good number of lads available who are up to scratch on both fronts.”

Organisers of the Limerick World Club 7s are also offering 12 Irish-based rugby players the chance to play for the famous Fijian side Daveta Rugby. Up to 100 Irish-based players will be selected to attend a trial event on Monday August 4th, just ahead of the main event. The hopefuls will be put through their paces by a selection committee and 12 players will be selected to be part of the 'Combine Team' which will act as a substitute squad for all competing teams. Think you have what it takes? You can apply by clicking here.

To complement a feast of rugby on the field of play, a city-wide festival will have a huge variety of entertainment for all ages, including two designated themed zones in the city – a Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

Tickets for the Limerick World Club 7s can be purchased online by clicking here.