GRR: NAI 7s
The SacAIR Islands stormed through the NAI 7s to win the Boys U18 Elite, and not that long ago they weren’t even sure they’d be competing.
“We didn’t really make the decision until about a month before the tournament,” said Head Coach Wayne Koi. “That was went we put in the request to take a U18 team.”
The NAI 7s ended up with a few surprises.
SacAIR Islanders pipped three-time champs Rebel Rugby Academy in the Boys U18 Elite final 10-7 on Saturday. That was perhaps the most notable result of the weekend.
The NAI 7s kicks off Friday with a few changes and some wrinkles.
Last year's event was marred by some significant trouble surrounding the U14 competitions, and it was a cose-run thing whether U14s would even return. As it turned out, the U14 brackets are invitation only now, with some closer vetting going on for those teams.
Four months…yes just 4 months from the 15th Anniversary of the largest sevens rugby festival in the Americas. Along with a couple tournament firsts being announced.
As the weather starts to turn and the days begin getting a little longer in the Salt Lake valley, teams are getting geared up and excited for an annual event that brings people together from all corners of the country.
One of the features, perhaps the responsibilities, of big tournaments is to develop good refereeing.