Falcons trio enjoy a Roman conquest
12 Jun 2007
A Newcastle Falcons-heavy Kooga Wailers side lifted the prestigious Rome Sevens crown yesterday.
With a side containing Ollie Phillips, Tim Visser and Ross Batty among others, the Wailers saw off all comers to take the title.
Lining up against clubmate John Rudd in the final, who turned out for invitational side Samurai International RFC, Phillips and company turned it on against top-quality opposition to seal the bragging rights.
Aside from the two teams containing Falcons stars, the Italian national side led a field including the Seven Kings of Rome - a mix of South Africa and New Zealand sevens stars and last year's winners, Stellenbosch from South Africa.
Paceman Phillips said it was a special tournament to win.
The England Sevens man said: "That is about as close to international standard sevens as you are going to get. It was a tough, tough tournament, so to come away having won it is fantastic."
Littered with current and former internationals, the tournament could have looked slightly out of reach for the Wailers.
However, as soon as the action got under way they proved any doubters wrong, blazing a trail to the final where they upset the form book again to despatch Rudd's Samurai.
Phillips said: "There was a fair bit of banter there, but it was all light-hearted because it is tournaments like this where we can all enjoy the spirit of rugby.
"All the lads were on a real high afterwards and it was something to cherish.
"Then we still had a chance to have a quick sight-seeing session before getting back to Newcastle.
"It was a great trip and it is great we still get a chance to be a part of things like that."
With a three-week training break on the cards, Phillips said rest will be vital in preparation for next year.
He said: "Everyone needs a break so we can come back fresh for the new season.
"There is no sense in starting the season fatigued, so we are working to ensure that does not happen.
"For me it is an exciting time, having just signed a new contract. I am looking forward to challenging for a regular place when it all starts again."
