The annual Barberton Rugby Club 7s tournament was a great success this year as nine teams took part and battled tough opposition and Lowveld heat alike on the day.

The tournament was played in Barberton on August 23 and the teams were split into two pools. Among the participants was the Kazakhstan national 7s touring team, which was split into two teams named Nomads 1 and Nomads 2. Head coach Ludwiche van Deventer indicated that he was using the tour as a means to help select his final first team for the Kazakhstan national 7s team.

The local teams did, however, put up one hell of a fight from the first whistle to the last. The Barberton Barbarians were the only team on the day able to beat Nomads 1, defeating them 26-22 in the pool stages. The Barberton Barbarians were, however, defeated in the semi-finals by Hennies, while Nomads 1 beat SA All Stars to set up an exciting final clash between Hennies and Nomads 1.

The glory ultimately went the way of the visitors from Kazakhstan, though, who won the final 21-14 to claim the cup title. The hosts won the shield final, beating SA All Stars 15-5, while Nomads 2 won the bowl final 21-7 against SA All Stars Academy.

It was a great day of rugby, showcasing some seriously fine 7s talent, all while the players battled some tough Lowveld heat right throughout the day.

> Photos: Blake Linder