Beach sevens makes debut at Bay

STU PIDDINGTON

SAND SWITCH: Tanu Suavine, left, tackles Maturo Siaosi during beach sevens practice at Caroline Bay.

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'No sand in the eyes' is the only rule that differs when rugby sevens switches to the beach.

Beach sevens makes its debut at Caroline Bay today and looks to be popular with South Canterbury's eight senior sides all entered.

With the game growing in popularity in Europe, South Canterbury rugby manager Cam Kilgour said they decided to try it locally.

"Caroline Bay is perfect and the players are really keen.

"It is played on a 50m by 30m field and the normal sevens rules apply plus, of course, you are not allowed to throw sand in the opponents' eyes."

Kilgour said if the tournament goes well they might open it to other grades next year.

The rugby starts at midday at the western end of the beach by cliffs.

- © Fairfax NZ News