RFTG at the Bournemouth 7's.
Louise Patrick and Natalie Hemsley

Well, Nat and I set off for a weekend of rugby, stalking and drinking all in the name of RFTG and didn't we do well!!!
This years Bournemouth 7's was the first of hopefully a very successful annual event. Over 96 teams from all over the world helped to make this the biggest rugby 7's tournament in Europe. With 5 different tournaments there was lots of rugby to be watched in the massive grounds.

After pitching our accommodation for the weekend it was straight to the bar!!! Friday night was amusing to say the least - there were lots of teams and stag weekends in full flow so singing and chanting kept us up most of the night - that and the fact the campsite was right next to the runway of an international airport!!! This in mind an early start was inevitable Saturday - and it started how it meant to go on. While chatting to our 'neighbours' a man in a full ape costume came and sat with us - it turned out to be Alex Sanderson who is England's Pat Sanderson's brother. He was there as mascot for rugby reunited's team. Dan Scarbourgh (who runs rugby reunited) then came over, so before even leaving the campsite we had had breakfast with a premiership player and a monkey!!!!

Time for rugby - the pace and skill of some of the teams was fantastic. We mainly watched the national invitational cup which was the main tournament, sat on a hill in the glorious sun surrounded by thousands of very scantily clad players. At some point around lunchtime I turned round and literally right beside us the to be winners were setting up - they were called the stash allstars and consisted of at least 4 premiership players and 7's specialists. 3 of them were from London Irish so I was a very happy bunny. Thinking it wasn't going to get much better - stood right behind us chatting to the allstars was England's Olly Barkley. Not to miss an opportunity we went up to him to get an autograph and photos which he duly obliged. We also met Austin Healy on day one after pushing some small children out of the queue (they started it).
After the rugby had finished for the day, the drinking really started - fancy dress seemed to be a theme and oh my god some of the sights!!! There were men in dresses, gladiators, chaps and thongs (!!!), superheroes, the entire cast of top gun - you name it we saw it!!!! Drinking games, dares, rugby banter the usual ensued and I think it will go down as one of the most random nights of my life!!!

Day two brought some fantastic rugby even though the weather wasn't so hot. Olly was still around and we also managed to chat to Lewis Moody before he was ushered off. I realised I forgot to get him to sign my RWC 03 final programme so off we trotted to the official signing. The men at the RFU now know our faces and the website and proceeded to embarrass me by shouting 'stalker' loudly while I was with Lewis........I don't know what they meant (lol).
The final was spent in the VIP tent with lots of hot men and England stars. The Allstars ran out winners after a fantastic game. Lewis then did the presentations of the massive cups and plates, it was good to see my team Bracknell win one of the plate trophies and even better because Lewis played rugby at Bracknell as a youngster.

All in all it was a fantastic weekend with excellent rugby, loads of beer and stars galore. I just want to say a big thank you to Dan and Oscar from Rugby reunited who made us very welcome and provided lots of entertainment. I hope it was a successful venture for you.

Note to Jill - we are so going next year and you're coming with us.
(Note to Louise - yes to the rugby - NO to the canvas bit!!!)

Louise - (roaming reporter and stalker extraordinaire!!)

BOURNMOUTH 7S GALLERY
Anyone (or bum or pecs) that you recognise?