Bank holiday rugby bonanza kicks off at sevens

THE Bank Holiday weekend kicked off, literally, yesterday as the largest Sevens tournament in the northern hemisphere got underway.

The tills were ringing in Kinsale, Co Cork, last night as hundreds of rugby supporters poured into the harbour town to cheer on 96 teams which are taking part in the Heineken-sponsored tournament.

More than 200 games are scheduled to be played on five pitches for a prize fund of €22,000 and in excess of 10,000 people are expected to watch some thrilling rugby.