NUI Maynooth Win CUSAI Sevens

Local side NUI Maynooth emerged victorious in the CUSAI Autumn Rugby Sevens tournament at NUIM Barnhall on Wednesday. University of Limerick were top of the pile in the women’s event.

Eighteen teams comprising 200 students took part in the day’s festivities which were run in collaboration by CUSAI and the IRFU.

IRFU Third Level Development Officer Eoin Hogan was delighted with the event, saying: “It was fantastic to have so many student rugby players here today, especially from the smaller colleges.

“Congratulations to all the winners and we hope to see everyone back for the spring tournament.”

NUI Maynooth, bolstered by NUIM Barnhall players, proved too strong for Tallaght in an entertaining Cup final. Robbie Holt, who represented Leinster at Under-19 level this season, ex-Ireland under 20 international Conor McDermott and current Clontarf winger Michael McGrath excelled throughout.

Tallaght played some great rugby throughout and were led by Sevens specialists Ray Crotty and Craig Morrin.

The Plate competition saw newcomers National College of Ireland, marshalled by captain Sam O’Byrne, outscore Dublin City University, who have lost a large number of their European Championship bronze medal winning side from last season.

In the women’s showpiece, Dublin City University were no match for the all conquering University of Limerick side, who now hold every available trophy in third level women’s rugby, adding the Sevens to their League and Intervarsity double from last season.

An ever-improving IT Carlow side pipped Limerick IT to third place.

CUSAI’s Brendan Johnston added: “It was a great event, NUIM Barnhall put on a fantastic show and everyone seemed to enjoy a really good afternoon’s rugby.”

CUSAI AUTUMN RUGBY SEVENS TOURNAMENT:

Men’s Cup Results –

Semi-Finals:
IT Tallaght 45 Athlone IT ‘B’ 12
NUI Maynooth 31 Athlone IT 14

Final:
NUI Maynooth 36 IT Tallaght 12

Men’s Plate Results –

Semi-Finals:
IT Tallaght Freshers 12 National College of Ireland 39
Dublin City University 33 Limerick IT 26

Final:
National College of Ireland 31 Dublin City University 19

Women’s Cup Results –

3rd/4th Place Play-Off:
Limerick IT 12 IT Carlow 15

Final:
University of Limerick 39 Dublin City University 0