The Bull Sharks will take their special brand of 7s rugby to the global stage at an international invitational tournament in Dubai next month.
After a strong local 7s season, the Bull Sharks men’s team will test their mettle against top tier international squads and professional 7s teams from around the world.
The tournament is part of the lead-up to the Emirates Dubai 7s international rugby championships and captain Byron Hutchinson is excited for the test ahead.
“When I got the call saying there was one spot available in the competition, I jumped at the chance to make it happen,” he said.
Hutchinson said the invitational would be the Bull Sharks’ first international tournament and an opportunity not to be missed.
“The University was great in assisting us to get over to Dubai. It wasn’t really part of the plan this year so we were appreciative of the support to make it happen,” he said.
The side has been training hard to be ready for the tough competition.
“We are playing in the world’s best 7s tournament in the top division taking on the likes of Ireland, Spain, Zimbabwe, Germany, Japan and a few international development teams so the boys are really looking forward to the challenge to showcase their skills at that next level,” Hutchinson said.
The Bull Sharks are in Pool B and will face Japan, the Samurai RFC and ASM 7s, a professional French 7s side.
“It’s going to be a great experience for the boys to see where we are against some of the best. Our desired outcome will be to finish top 2 in our pool and progress into finals,” Hutchinson said.
Team news:
Coach Damon Virtue has assembled one of the strongest teams this season for the tour, aiming to showcase what the Bull Sharks can do.
The return of Jake Upfield and Joey Fittock who are fresh off the Queensland Reds tour of Japan will inject some extra firepower out wide and leadership in the forwards.
The Bull Sharks campaign begins on Thursday at 9pm Queensland time. Keep up with the news via Bond rugby’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Team list:
1: Byron Hutchinson ©
2: Connor Pritchard
3: Josh Havea
4: Rhian Stowers
5: Jayden Ngamanu
6: Dan Boardman
7: Joey Fittock
8: Josh Havea
9: Nixon Taramai
10: Zane Misios
11: Abele Atunaisa
12: Max Dowd
13: Tyler Campbell
Coaches: Damon Virtue and Grant Anderson