Sevens schoolboy comp held at Umina campus

The Jesse Parahi Cup, a Sevens Rugby Schoolboy competition, was held on March 7 and 8 at Brisbane Water Secondary College, Umina campus.

Approximately 300 13 and 14-year-old Central Coast boys from 14 secondary schools each played at least five games of sevens rugby on each day.

The Jesse Parahi Cup was named after an Avoca Beach Junior and Kincumber High student, who is the current captain of the Australia Sevens team.

Jesse, who was in camp on the Gold Coast preparing for the Hong Kong Sevens event of the IRB circuit said: "It's so good to see so many students playing sevens rugby on the Coast."

"Fulfilling my dream of representing my country in rugby will hopefully inspire the next batch of Central Coast rugby players to maybe strive to be future Olympians in our rugby sevens program.

"I am disappointed I couldn't get back for the event but I know it's getting bigger each year and that's great for the game," said Jesse.

In the Year 8 event, the Cup competition was won 10-5 by Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, Tumbi Umbi Campus, over St Edward's College.

The Plate was won by Lisarow High School over Brisbane Water Secondary College.

In the Year 7 event, the Cup was won by Green Point Christian College who defeated St Edward's College 25-10, and the Year 7 Plate event was won by Terrigal High over St Peter's Catholic College.

"This event was a lot of fun and an introduction for many players," said Sevens Rugby Schoolboy competition development manager Mr Michael Magriplis.

"The feedback from the boys was very positive and it was a true testament to rugby with free running play resulting lots of tries being scored.

"The games were played in the right spirit, ending up with excellent camaraderie," said Mr Magriplis.

Media Release, 10 Mar 2013

Michael Magriplis, Sevens Rugby Schoolboy competition