Sevens great to be star attraction at carnival

Aspiring rugby players in the Great Southern region will have the chance to rub shoulders with former Australian sevens captain Ed Jenkins, who will be in Albany this weekend to promote the sport.

Jenkins will be the star attraction as players from around the State converge on Albany for a junior carnival hosted by the Albany Junior Rugby Club on Saturday and Sunday.

The carnival will consist of under-8, under-9 and under-10 age groups, with more than 20 teams from Albany, Perth and the South West competing.

Played on the Albany Little Athletics field, games kick off at 1.30pm on Saturday and continue on Sunday morning, with Jenkins helping referee the event.

On Saturday, a free skills clinic for children aged 11 and older will be run by Jenkins on the multipurpose field near ALAC from 11am-12.30pm.

There will also be another chance to meet Jenkins when he heads to Inswing Sports Bar from 1.30pm on Sunday for a free meet-and-greet event, signing autographs and chatting to people who go along.

AJRC’s David Marshall said having Jenkins in the region for the tournament was terrific.

“It’s going to be a big weekend and there will be plenty of chances to see Ed,” he said.

“Having Ed here will really add profile to the event and he’s going to assist us, help referee and run the clinic, which is fantastic.”

Rugby WA officers have been visiting schools in the region this week, building up to the carnival.

The recently retired Jenkins has represented Australia at an Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, made 52 tournament appearances for his country, and won a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

For more information, visit the AJRC’s Facebook page.