The Samurai Management team face a very busy weekend on the 7th August, as they will be entering 3 separate teams in to 2 tournaments.

The 1st tournament will take place n London at the NEC Harlequins Stoop ground, situated next to England's home of Rugby, Twickenham. This is a 2 day event on the 6th and 7th sponsored by Compass Group.

Then the 2nd then the 2nd tournament in Swansea Wales is the Cwmtawe 7s being played at Pontardawe RFC.

It is the management's intention to put out 3 very strong sides indeed.

All 3 will be invitation teams that will consist of specialist 7s exponents. The Samurai International RFC management has also enlisted the help of 3 very experienced Coaches for the 2 events.

Paul Treu, Coach of the South African 7s team that participates in the IRB series, will take sole charge of the Samurai team in London. The team will consist of several SA 7s players that have taken part on the IRB World Circuit this year.

Colin Hillman the Ex Wales 7s Coach who worked with the Welsh team before it was decided the WRU would no longer support 7s. Will Coach the Samurai Team taking part in Swansea on Saturday 7th. The team will consist of many of the Samurai 7s regulars, with Jon Skurr Captaining the team. Youngsters Stuart Cokeley of Sale, after a fine showing in Rome, will again be given the opportunity to impress and at the same time gain more valuable 7s experience. Joining him will be another youngster Stuart Taylor of Gloucester Academy, who has been training with Gloucester's 1st team squad during the summer. With a fine blend of youth and experience the team is bound to be competitive.

Finally the Global Fiji Samurai team will also take part in the Compass event. The team, that will be captained by Amasio Valance and Managed by Rajesh Singh, should also be competitive in what promises to be a very strong tournament indeed.

Watch this space for full reports on how the teams progress.

Global Fiji Samurai

The Global Fiji Samurai team will make their second visit to the UK when they participate in the Compass Sevens tournament at the Stoop.

They previously came together in 2002 when they embarked on a 5 week tour that was put together by Terry Sands of Samurai International RFC.

With sponsorship from ULR Norwich they achieved the fantastic record of played 4 won 3 during their short tour and have been patiently waiting for the chance to return.

In 2002 they won the London Kiwi Sevens, North Riding Sevens and the Kinsale Sevens and narrowly lost the London Sevens final by a single try to the British Army, whom they had beaten the previous week in the final of the London Kiwi 7s.

The Global Fiji Samurai team managed by Rajesh Singh, are looking forward to participating in the Compass Sevens tournament that is being held at the NEC Harlequins ground - the Stoop - on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th August.

Expected Team.

Amasio Valance

Jovesa Naivalu

Jason TiaTia

Sailosi Naiteque

Nathaniel Walker

Ross Martin

Josefa Safatu

Sireli BoBo

Naisoni Rokobiau

Kali Vasunikasu

Samurai Show Class In Cayman

The Samurai’s returned to Cayman, intent on retaining their title, although the team was completely different from the previous year. It was a team full of players with very good sevens experience containing Sevens internationals from England, Wales, South Africa and Spain, a team worthy of representing the Samurai in such high quality international event.

Day 1 started well with a convincing 45-5 victory over a game athletic Guyana team. The skill, speed and technical ability of the Samurai players was obvious for all to see, with the likes of James Brook, Oriol Ripol, John Feeley and Craig Richards reveling in the amount of ball produced by outstanding forwards Earnshaw, Gravell, and Prosser-Shaw. Samurais were fortunate in this game in that they were able to use all of their squad with Gert De Kok, Ed Burrell and Anthony Carter joining the fray at various stages and ensuring the high standard was maintained.

Game 2 was an outstanding victory against a potentially dangerous Ecosse team, the Samurai, realizing the challenge raised their game and completely overran them with a superb display of Sevens rugby culminating in a 36-5 victory.

Game 3 was another good victory against local heroes the Cayman Select team. With the crowd urging them on with great support, they were very committed and willing but no match for the now confident Samurai team who ran out winners 33-0

The last game of the day was always going to be a tough one, a repeat of last years final, against the British Army. Unfortunately the Army proved to be too strong on the day with the Samurai never really getting into top gear. Knowing they had already qualified for the quarter final regardless of the outcome of this game, obviously had some bearing on their display. The Army ran out deserved winners by 28-12.

Day 1 completed with 3 victories and 1 loss and with Day 2 looming, rest and recovery were badly needed.

Day 2 started late for the Samurai which was greatly appreciated by the players. The first game kicking off at 17.40 hrs against our old adversaries and sevens buddies the Marauders, Always an enormously hard game, this was no different, with the Marauders leading at half time, however such was the quality and spirit within the Samurai team that they raised their game in the second half and played some outstanding rugby. The Marauders were gradually wore down and the Samurais avenged their 19 – 15 Amsterdam 7s semi-final defeat, as they ran out convincing winners in the end, This victory set up yet another clash with the British Army.

With so much depending on this game, there was never any doubt that the Samurai's would fail to 'get into' the game this time. With the victors avoiding the favourites for the title (Red Rock of Fiji) in the Semi Final the game was very important.

An outstanding game of Sevens was played by both teams. The Army took an early convincing lead, but the Samurai fought back strongly and had the crowd on the edge of their seats as they got within 2 points. With only 2 minutes remaining the game was poised for an exciting finale. With the Samurai speedster now out through injury the team missed their previous pace out wide and hard as they tried a late try by the Army saw them through.

This resulted in the Samurai meeting Red Rock in the semi-final and it was obvious to everyone that they had the potential to move up a gear when they needed to. Move up they had to as they took on a very determined Samurai team who ran them all the way in a thrilling end to end game. Every Samurai player who took to the field stood up and was counted and they provided some scintillating rugby. However on the night it was not quite enough against a skilful Red Rock team, who went on to beat the British Army so convincingly in the Final.

Every Samurai player wore the jersey with pride and acquitted themselves well in a tournament of the highest quality.

Congratulations must be given to the tournament sponsors and organisers for staging such a great event and a tremendous week in the Cayman Islands.

Here's looking forward to next year !

Samurai Lose Out To Winners In Rome

Roma Sevens 12th June 2004

The invitation to defend the Samurai Teams Roma Sevens Crown was always going to be difficult as Samurai were participating in 2 tournaments on the same weekend.

With a team also participating in Cayman, Mark Hewitt (Coach) and Ray Watts (Manager) were able to select a team with the future in mind. A great blend of youth and experience was selected, with the youngsters in the team being given the opportunity to taste an excellent standard of competition that was being played at an excellent venue.

This years tournament had extra spice added by the addition of the NZ Metro 7, Garryowen, Marauders (winners of the Amsterdam Sevens) and Stellenbosch University, fresh from their success in the Melrose Sevens.

In an idyllic setting right next to the Olympic Stadium, the scene was set for a tournament of Gladiatoral proportions.

The opening two games in pool A saw the youthful Samurai team beat London Visigoths by 26pts to nil, then Seven Kings of Rome by 45pts without reply.

A welcome 3hr afternoon break to get out of the fierce Italian heat was most welcome as the team prepared for a quarter final clash with the Italian National Team.

Without a recognised "gas man", the Samurais had to rely on sevens expertise to take on a rapidly improving Azzuri team that had just participated in the IRB 7s tournament at Twickenham. The Italian team were determined to avenge last years final defeat by the Samurai.

The game got off to a bad start, when from a penalty on the Italians 10m line, they hoisted a huge kick deep into the Samurais 22. From the resulting lineout, a clever mis-move in the centre saw their man of the match, Samoan Mannato, cut through and score under the posts. The game was played at an electrifying pace with the Samurais playing catch-up for most of the game.

Paul Baird scored the Samurais 1st try after a well read interception, with Dave Knight & Baz Hocking scoring the third, and Austin Howells converting all three, to finish up losing by 24pts to 21.

The Italians , now backed by a buoyant home crowd, took on and defeated a strong NZ Metro seven by 12pts to 10 in a hard , bruising semi final.

With a fresh looking and talented Stellenbosch team in the final, the Italians decided to open up the game and meet the South Africans head on. In a thoroughly entertaining final, The Italians running out as eventual winners by 38pts to 31.

Although only reaching the quarter finals, the young Samurai squad defended their title bravely and can hold their heads up high. Given that three of the team were under 19, these young warriors can only learn from the invaluable experience in competing in such a tournament.

Team

Austin Howells ( Capt) ; Luke Arscott; Baz Hocking; Stuart Cokeley; Will Oldham; Jamie Rennie; Phil Reed; John Boden; Paul Baird; Dave Knight; Steffan Armitage;

Coach Mark Hewitt, Manager Ray Watts, Physio Claire McCloughlin

Samurai Run Broken In Amsterdam

The Samurai’s impressive run was broken in Amsterdam as they were beaten 19 - 15 by the Corso Marauders team that included a large contingent of British Army 7s players. In a game that should have been the final, the Samurai’s failed to recover from 2 early Marauders tries from the impressive Damu Damu.

With Ben Lewitt, Jim Jenner, Russell Earnshaw, John Skurr, Ed Burrill and Andy Carter all unavailable for Samurai selection the team had a few unfamiliar faces in their ranks. However newcomers Rob Hoadley and Alan Madonye performed well throughout.

In the Sunday pool games Samurai disposed of Pacific Coast Grizzlies, West Indies and Millfield Old Boys with relative ease but were unfortunately rewarded with the tough side of the draw as they had to face the Corso Marauders.

Samurai now move on to Rome and Cayman looking to add to their already impressive season.

Samurai Make It 4 from 4......

The Samurai 7s team made it 4 wins from 4 starts as they won the Sofia Sevens tournament in Bulgaria in style.

The team qualified with ease on the first day and romped in to the semi finals on day 2 where they disposed of the Bulgarian National 7 to move in to the final.

Samurai faced Suzies Exiles in the final (Semi Finalists at the 2004 Kinsale 7s) who had travelled straight from Ireland to take part.

The strong Samurai team scored 47 unanswered points and finished the tournaments with the unbelievable record of not having a try scored against them.

Samurai Sharks Perform

The Samurai development team "the Sharks" performed admirably as they entered the North Riding Scarborough 7s. Captained by Wakefield's Jon Skurr a mixture of old heads and debutant youngsters, blended well under the guidance of the new Gloucester Academy Coach Mark Hewitt.

Baz Hocking, Ben Wickens and Martin Olima all Academy youngsters made their debut’s for the Samurai Sharks team, who ran the very experienced White Hart Marauders side close. Losing the semi final by 17 points to 7. Samurai's try was scored by Baz Hocking who put in a fine performance.

The Sharks went on to take 3rd place beating Bristol University in the play off.

The Sharks v Marauders game should have perhaps been the final as the Marauders went on to win the final by a big margin against the Crusaders.

Samurai unveil new sponsor for Hong Kong 10s.

The Samurai team for Hong Kong have been very fortunate indeed to enlist the generous support of Welsh Company Thrislington Clean Rooms, whose manufacturing base is in India. The Samurai team are now able to add to the list of companies that have made the trip to Hong Kong possible.

The whole Samurai Team are most thankful to ULR Norwich, Thrislington Clean Rooms, Bostall's, RKL, Magnus Group. And Iver Technical Services.

We sincerely hope we can go One better than last year.

THRISLINGTON CLEAN ROOMS INDIA

Samurai's Invited Back To Hong Kong

After last years first ever effort at Ten a side Rugby and their subsequent Semi Final exit against the eventual winners New Zealand Metro. The Hong Kong Tens organisors have invited the team back for the 2004 tournament, to be held at the Hong Kong Football Club on the 24th / 25th March.

The Samurai management certainly learnt a lot from last years tournament and they hope they can go One better this year.

This years team will include Alan Bateman and John Devereaux as well as several other well known faces.

The team have been fortunate to attract the support of several additional sponsors for this One off tournament as it outside of the teams normal 7s budget.

Huge thanks must go to ULR Norwich, Bostall's Kent, RHK Design Hong Kong and

Iver Technical Services for their generous support.

Watch this space to see how the team goes..........

Cayman Islands International Rugby Sevens 2004

June 11-12, 2004

Cayman Rugby Enthusiasts Limited today released the dates for the 2004 Cayman International Rugby Sevens tournament. The Tournament is scheduled to take place at the Truman Bodden Stadium in the Cayman Islands on June 11-12, 2004. The Supporters tournament for club sides is scheduled to take place on June 10th, 2004 at the Cayman Islands Rugby Football Club.

The 2003 tournament was won by Samurai led by England Seven's Captain Simon Amor in a pulsating game decided in the final seconds. Samurai overcame the British Army side 22-21.

The organizers expect a top quality field in 2004 with last year's finalists expected to return to be joined by the Fijian National Sevens Champions, the United States Sevens Champions, Rugby Ecosse, former winners of the tournament and teams featuring leading players from the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

For further information on the tournament please see the tournament website at www.cisevens.com .

A great deal of thanks must go to the Samurai sponsors for this years Dubai 7s. The Samurai have participated in 11 tournaments so far this year and have an excellent record. Dubai will be tournament No 12 and additional sponsorship assistance has had to be found for this event.

ULR Norwich who are the teams Premier sponsor, have given the team tremendous support this season. Bostall's of Bromley in Kent, Starglaze Windows and Magnus Distribution of Ipswich has given additional assistance.