Wizards aiming for redemption in Sevens
ABERAVON will be looking to go some way towards making amends for their narrow Premiership final defeat when they go into action in the Heineken Sevens in Llanelli today.
They open up at Parc Y Scarlets with a mouth-watering match against Ebbw Vale.
Wizards coach Jason Hyatt has every reason to be pleased with the way that his charges have performed this season in the Premiership only losing in the final by a handful of points to Merthyr, but he know that to be make an impact in the Sevens is an altogether different proposition.
“Sevens Rugby is entirely different, it is an art in itself but great to keep up fitness levels,” said Hyatt.
There is a real buzz about this weekend’s event because there are new title sponsors – Heineken instead of Fosters, a new venue in Parc Y Scarlets and a date switch – from August Bank Holiday to late Spring Bank Holiday.
Llandovery have dominated for the past three years achieving a treble of successes and, after a largely-disappointing season, they will be keen to stamp their authority on the tournament.
They open their defence of the title in the first men’s match against Neath at 10am, with the final set for 7.20pm.
Swansea, who had a dismal season to finish at the foot of the Premiership table, are involved in the last of the first round matches against Bridgend, while Llanelli face a tough match against big-spending Merthyr and Carmarthen Quins take on Cardiff.
The action starts at 8.45am with the Dragons and the Blues meeting in the women’s cup followed by Ospreys v Scarlets.
WRU head of rugby performance Geraint John said: “We changed the date of the tournament following discussion with the Premiership clubs and in view of the international sevens schedule. At the end of August, Premiership sides are focused on the start of the 15-a-side season, whereas at the end of May, they can concentrate on sevens, albeit for a short time.