Rugby enthusiasts to converge on Aubigny 10s carnival
RUGBY UNION: Rugby players, supporters and spectators will arrive from all points today to take part in the annual Cryotherapy Qld Aubigny Rugby 10s Carnival at Toowoomba’s Gold Park.
Eighteen Men’s Open teams, five Men’s Overs teams and four Women’s 7s sides will be on show during the day-long rugby action starting at 8am.
Carnival organiser Phil Cooper said the tournament continued to grow each year and was now at capacity.
“It’s grown to a total of 27 teams and is now what tournament organisers view as being at saturation point,” Cooper said.
“Players from as far away as Perth will line up on the day.
“Last year’s Men’s Open winners USQ Blue is expected to put in another strong showing.
“Grain Train is a combined Goondiwindi-Dalby side with a heavy Downs and Queensland Country contingent.
“Aubigny Barbarians Red were semi finalists last year and have another wide range of players.
“Other teams are coming from Cairns, Townsville (Crocs), Coomera, Beaudesert, Brisbane Irish, Southern Bay (Brisbane), along with a host of Toowoomba and Downs clubs.”
Rangers Fat & Old will aiming for a three-peat in the Men’s Overs division which features the appearance of ex-internationals Radike Samo and Andrew Walker.
Recent Roma Women’s 7s title winners Tribe will appear for the first time this year along with Iconz who will carry some strong Downs representation.
Brisbane Irish will provide an unknown factor to the women’s competition with last year’s finalists Toowoomba Bears also lining up.
Finals begin about 4.50pm.