Twelve teams to compete in ever-popular Rugby Sevens

One of the highlights of the local sporting calendar is set to take place this weekend as the 49th annual Orkney Rugby Sevens is due to go ahead on Saturday afternoon.

This year’s competition, sponsored by Orkney Builders Contractors Ltd, promises the usual mix of teams, including those from near and far, the young and not-so-young, the serious contenders and the more ‘social’ outfits, as Orkney Rugby Club opens its doors in the final ‘hurrah’ of the 2015/16 season.

Live music, food, and refreshments will be on offer at the Pickaquoy playing fields throughout the duration of the tournament and it looks likely — barring any last-minute changes — that 12 teams will battle it out in what promises to be a day of high-quality rugby.

Last year’s winners Stewart’s Melville are unable to travel north to defend the trophy while last year’s finalists Orkney will be hoping to win a sixth title in eight years. However, as well as facing stiff opposition from eight other home sides, last year’s Plate winners Grangemouth, Peebles, and Caithness are the away sides set to travel to the county.

Registration for teams is due to start at 11.30am, with the tournament scheduled to kick-off at 12.30pm.