This Saturday sees the return of the Craig Smith Seven’s tournament to Ross-sutherland rugby club. The event takes place every year as a tribute to former Stags player Craig Smith, who tragically passed away whilst on a night out in Australia 2 years ago.

The event is run by former team mate and current Ross-sutherland stand-off Alastair Kennedy, who was close friends with Craig who comments:
‘I wanted to have a tournament that involved the whole club to celebrate the big-man’s life. Craig was a fantastic rugby player, although a forward, he had excellent skills, so we thought a 7s tournament would be the best way to mark his kind of rugby, with the lads showing off the skills that Craig would be proud of. Champagne rugby as we like to call it!’

The sevens tournament will be made up of teams put together by Ross-sutherland players. The maximum squad size being 12, the squad must contain 3 players that have never played rugby. This is to encourage people to come and give rugby a try.

Ali explains:
‘My older brother David Kennedy and friend Ruaridh Waugh, who both play for the seniors team, went over to play in a sevens tournament in Italy. This is where we got the idea for the tournament they use this format and it was really good fun, the non-players wear bibs so everybody knows to go easy on them. I think it is great as it encourages non-players to give rugby a go, which is something Craig, would be chuffed with.’

Ali went onto discuss what he was expecting from this year’s tournament:
‘This year we have an array of teams competing, we’ve got teams including my own team, ‘The Smudgers 7’, which is captained by Craig’s brother Kerr Smith, there is also ‘The Young Guns’ which is captained by Ross-Sutherland development coach Andy Mackay.
We also have a new team this year, ‘the flying pigs’ which is made up completely of front row players, my older brother Murray has put that outfit together, hopefully we can wrestle them from the burger van/bar to play?!. Further to that, we have the ‘Stag’s Veterans’ and ‘The Captain’s Pick’ as well as the ever present ‘Tatties’ which contains some local farmers. It should make for some interesting rugby and a really fun day to remember a wonderful guy!’

The tournament kicks off at 1pm this Saturday 4th July, at Ross-sutherland rugby club, Invergordon. Teams to meet up at 1200.
There will be a raffle on the day and burgers, supplied by Ardgay Game, for sale as well as beverages. A dance will take place at the clubhouse following the tournament, starting at 7pm. All are welcome to come and enjoy the day!