The sun shone on 'The Legionnaires' as they took the field for at their debut event in the inaugural Acorn Newquay Surf 7s.

First up for the Legionnaires were GC RFC, who were quick out of the blocks, going ahead early on.  But The Legionnaires quickly found their feet and settled into the game.  The first try, of what was to be a total of seven during the day, came from gas-man Ryan Llewellyn and put The Legionnaires back on level terms.  A tense game unfolded with both sides testing each other's defences, before further tries from Llewellyn and a first for David Beynon gave the Legionnaires some breathing space.  A comfortable win followed and The Legionnaires were off to a good start.

The second game of the pool stages was against local team, Skinners Freeloaders, which even included a current England international in the shape of James Haskell.  The Legionnaires made hard work of this one, too often reverting to 15-a-side tactics, which was to prove costly ultimately.  Despite tries from Llewellyn once again, the match was lost and the pressure was on.

In order to qualify for the Cup competition, a win was needed against the Royal Air Force.  The Legionnaires showed a vast improvement and a ding-dong battle ensued in the first half, with good rugby being played by both sides.  Some strong scrumaging from front row unit Rhys Jones, David Beynon and Paul Rumming gave Rumming an opportunity to pick up and score after a well disrupted scrum close to the RAF line.  Ben Sullivan, starting in the backs for the first time, brought vital sevens experience to the fold and controlled the pace well. However, with the RAF hitting back after each Legionnaire score and even taking the lead at one point, it took another outside break from Llewellyn, resulting in a try, to calm the nerves. In such a tight game The Legionnaires’ defence had to be good.  The defensive effort was encapsulated in a huge hit from Beynon on an RAF speedster, from an outstanding towering restart by outside half Craig Jones.  This lifted the side and spurred them on to a well earned victory to set up an enticing quarter final against Opportunity Rugby, who themselves had been playing some good rugby on their way to the knockout stage.

The Legionnaires started well, holding a strong shape and retaining possession effectively.  However, it was Opportunity Rugby who drew first blood with a break through midfield.  Ryan Llewellyn evened the scores with a score on the left which was converted by Craig Jones but Opportunity Rugby scored again to make it 12 -7 at the turnaround.

The Legionnaires were far from out of it and brought on reinforcements James Pike, Dale Newell and Kevin Jones for the second half.   The team once again showed great strength in defence, with the midfield being lead by Greg Roberts but despite this, Opportunity Rugby broke again.  Good chasing in defence bought the attack to a stop five yards short, giving Craig Jones the chance to try to rip the ball form the isolated player.  It seemed as if Jones was pulling from the tackled player for an age but the referee allowed play to continue and a try was eventually scored in the corner.  Despite a valiant effort and bringing all but the kitchen sink into the attack, with The Legionnaires chasing the game Opportunity Rugby scored again to put the game out of reach.  Ryan Llewellyn brought his haul for the day to 7 by scoring what was to be only a consolation try.

The Legionnaires would like to thank the organisers of the Acorn Newquay Surf 7s for a well run tournament and hope that, after a great first year, the tournament continues and grows.

As for The Legionnaires, the result provides a great spring board into their first full season next year, in which they will be competing in many more events.

Rhodri Jones (Team Manager)

17th July 2008 - Squad for Newquay Surf Sevens 2008

The Legionnaires' first squad will be:

1. David Beynon

2. Paul Rumming

3. Kevin Jones

4. Dale Newell

5. Rhys Jones

6. James Pike

7. Craig Jones

8. Greg Roberts

9. Ryan Llewellyn

10. Ben Sullivan

For more information on the players, please go to our 'Current Legionnaires' section.

23rd May 2008 - The Legionnaires get press:

The progress made by the Legionnaires Rugby Team in the last few weeks is continuing to gather momentum. This is aptly demonstrated by the first piece of press coverage that the newly formed entity is about to receive. Next week the South Wales Guardian will be covering 'The Legionnaires' and the progress which has been made in the lead up to their inaugural tournament in Newquay, Cornwall. The South Wales Guardian will also be covering the team following the tournament with comprehensive report of the weekend's events.

The Legionnaires are extremely grateful to the South Wales Guardian for their support in helping raise the profile of the team in their "home", founder region. We are very ambitions to make 'The Legionnaires' a different kind of Sevens team, one which has a unique identity, and the presence draw and attract players from further afield. 

'The Legionnaires' would urge anyone who has any ideas or would be interested in offering any services of support to get in touch via the 'Contact Us' section of this website. - "potius ingenio quam vi"

19th May 2008 - The Legionnaires make 'hits':

A milestone was reached this week in the Legionnaires' short two week existence. The website has now received over 1000 hits in just over 10 days. This is a great achievement and just goes to show the extent of interest there is in rugby sevens and 'The Legionnaires'. We will be hoping to maintain this progress over the coming weeks as we build momentum towards our first tournament and try to secure a sponsor.

If you feel that you can contribute to the Legionnaires' success in anyway please do not hesitate to get in touch. We'll be more than happy to hear from you!

Yours in Rugby

'The Legionnaires'

17th May 2008 - The Legionnaires search for sponsorship:

The Legionnaires have made remarkable progress in the last three weeks going from a concept to a finalised website and committing quality players. However, at this stage of our development finances are a very real issue and as such 'The Legionnaires' are currently in search of sponsorship. If anyone is interested in sponsoring this quickly growing sevens phenomenon then please get in touch via our 'Contact Us' section. Additionally, please can we draw your attention to our 'Sponsors' section which outlines the type of package we are able to offer.

We are committed to making ‘The Legionnaires’ a sevens success so what are you waiting for…get on board with us now!

10th May 2008 - The Legionnaires prepare to do battle:

The Legionnaires have been confirmed a place in their inaugural tournament. The Legionnaires rugby team will first take the field in the Acorn Newquay Surf 7s competition in Cornwall on 19th July 2008. This is a brand new tournament and has been well received in the sevens community with high competition for places at the event. The Legionnaires will be competing for the £1000 prize money and will be hoping to instil some pride and respect in the Legionnaires jersey. For more information on the inaugural Acorn Newquay Surf 7s please follow the link in our ‘Sevens Links’ section.  

8th May 2008 - The Legionnaires recruit:

The Legionnaires are currently recruiting their first squad and have already had the commitment of some very talented sevens players. For more information regarding current players, please see our ‘Current Legionnaires’ section.

6th May 2008 - The Legionnaires secure the services of Nick Rudling:

The Legionnaires are delighted to announce that they have secured the services of Nick Rudling. Nick is a keen amateur photographer with a great eye for a photograph and will be travelling with the Legionnaires everywhere they go. Nick's pictures will eventually appear in our ‘Gallery’ section.

5th May 2008 - The Legionnaires appoint Team Manager for forthcoming season:

The Legionnaires are happy to report that Rhodri Jones has agreed to take the role of Team Manager for the forthcoming season. Rhodri would rather be playing but is delighted to be able to take this role while he recovers from his ‘paper shoulder syndrome’ injury. Rhodri will also be using his wealth of rugby knowledge and acting as general tactician from the touchline. 

3rd May 2008 - The Legionnaires ‘just do it’:

The Legionnaires have just ordered their first team kit for the forthcoming Acorn Newquay Surf 7s. The kit is to be supplied by Nike and can be seen by going to our ‘Playing Kit’ section.