INTERNATIONALS AND NRL STARS LINE UP FOR HYPERION PARADISE 7s
November 1, 2011: The countdown is well and truly on for this month’s Hyperion Paradise 7s which kicks off on the Gold Coast on November 19 and 20 at Carrara Sports Complex with rugby fans in for a feast of action from local and overseas teams and a sprinkling of former big name NRL stars.
Organisers will this week announce the official draw for all competitions with Tournament Director Tim Heath saying interest and excitement is building for what will be a record-breaking tournament.
“It’s fantastic to be able to welcome some of the finest rugby 7s teams from around the world who will put on what I am sure will be a magnificent show,” said Mr Heath.
“Interest in the Hyperion Paradise 7s event is huge with pre-event ticket sales breaking previous records.
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“Fans are in for a fast, fun-filled, action-packed tournament full of excitement. The nature of the game and its format appeals to all types of rugby fans.
“We will feature some of the finest rugby 7s teams from around the world and the added bonus of some of NRL boys who are also enjoying rugby 7s.”
Former NRL stars Nathan Blacklock, Robbie O’Davis and Wise Kativerata and former Australian 7s and Queensland Reds star James Morgan will lead a star-studded Country King Browns team in the open men’s division that is sure to attract enormous attention.
Former Rooster and St George Dragon, Blacklock’s try scoring ability is second to none and former Newcastle Knight, O’Davis is regarded a one of football’s best broken play runners.
Kativerata was a fearsome centre who had a celebrated NRL career with St George, Souths and Parramatta.
He also represented Fiji as well as the NSW Waratahs while Morgan represented Australia in the IRB 7s in 2005. The Country King Browns were Second Division quarter-finalists in the 2011 Darwin Hottest 7s.
Among their best results to date are Second Division finalists in Darwin 2008 and the Hyperion Gold Coast 7s in 2009. They are looking at a Tour to Fiji early in 2012.
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Among the international teams will be The Hong Kong (HK) Dragons who are made up of senior international players who are all playing their domestic rugby in Hong Kong – the traditional home of Rugby 7s.
The squad has had success within Asia over the last two years, winning silver medals at East Asian Games in 2009 and the Asian Games in 2010.
The Hong Kong rugby community is truly unique within the world game – the multi-cultural nature of the National squads is again evident with nine different mother countries being represented in the current squad of players and management; Hong Kong, China, The Philippines, England, Wales, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The long running IRB Hong Kong Sevens is the only tournament that exposes the HK players to a higher intensity of player and team competition outside Asia on an annual basis.
The Hyperion Paradise 7s tournament presents both the Hong Kong players and coaches with a great opportunity to develop to the next level of performance and will be used as major part of preparation for the HK Sevens 2012.
Experienced players such as captain and centre, Rowan Varty, outside half Keith Robertson, half- back, Fan Shun Kei and wing Yiu Kam Shing Salome will bring a cutting edge to the team.
The bulk and power up front will be provided by Kwok Ka Chun, Nick Hewson and Mark Goosen with Ant Haynes, Lee Jones and Ross Armour providing the finer 15-a side backs skills as 7s hookers.
The McQueen brothers, Alex and Tom, will bring local knowledge to the squad having just completed under graduate degrees at Queensland University along with Tim Alexander who was born and bred in Albury, NSW. They live, breath and play by the slogan: “In Dragons flame we forge our name. Committed to Hong Kong.”
Spectators are encouraged to take advantage of the discounts on offer, and plan for a great start to the Gold Coast's Festival of Rugby, an exciting 8-day Festival of Rugby that will include Veterans 10s, culminating in the "Gold Coast Sevens - Fever Pitch tournament - the first leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series at Skilled Park on November 25 and 26".
"The Festival of Rugby and the Gold Coast Sevens - Fever Pitch are supported by the Queensland Government through Events Queensland."
For information on the 2011 Hyperion Paradise 7s – please visit www.paradise7s.com.au or keep in touch via facebook.com/paradise7s or twitter.com/paradise7s
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW THROUGH Foxtix PARADISE 7S TICKETS
TICKETING PRICES (Tickets are available through Foxtix)
| -Day Pass PRE SALE General Admission - Adult GA – Concession GATE Adult Concession Junior (14 and Under
Saturday Only (19 November)
Sunday Only (20 November) |
PRICE (inc gst) TBC $15 $12 $20 $15 Free PRICE (inc gst) TBC $10 $8 $12 $10 Free PRICE (inc gst) TBC $10 $8 $12 $10 Free |
* Prices include GST
“The Festival of Rugby and the Gold Coast Sevens – Fever Pitch are supported by the Queensland Government through Events Queensland.”
