TEAMS in Saturday’s Naples Nines in Florida now have an extra incentive with the winners of the men’s and women’s divisions invited to next year’s London extravaganza.
Eight male and four female teams will take to the Paradise Sports Complex in Saturday for the first Nines to be held in Naples, the self-styled Golf Capital Of The World.
Two of the sides, Roots Rugby men and Roots Rugby women, have already competed at the London Nines, with the women the defending champions. And they’ll be back for this year’s event at Chiswick Rugby Club on July 17.
But if they are toppled in Naples, their conquers can join them in London next year.
“The London Nines has been promoting the fast and furious sport of Nines to new audiences since 2018,” said London tournament director Graham Oliphant.
“With over 30 countries represented at the tournament over the years we are delighted to support the growth of yet more tournaments.
“(We’ve had) previous relationships with the Carolina Nines, Budapest Nines and Vancouver Nines in supporting their growth.
“It is therefore our pleasure to share the love of this exciting sport to the Naples in Florida by extending an invitation to connect with our growing Nines circuit around the world.
“For 2023 the London Nines will be reserving a place for both the men’s and women’s Winners of the US based Nines event to come and join us.”
The men’s event in London is so popular there is now a waiting list, with Oliphant adding: “You can still join us as a fan on Sunday 17 July 2022 to see the 24 teams compete for the London Nines trophy.
“(We have) strong teams from NZ, USA, Norway, Wales, Albania, Philippines, Samoa, Lithuania, England, Fiji – with coverage on OURLeague!”
