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The Manchester Rugby 7s Festival once again served up a feast of world class rugby sevens and festival party.

The International Invitation Cup was as ever, one of the strongest tournaments in Europe, with Samurai Barracudas eventually taking home the Cup and £3,000 prize money. The Samurai side consisted of the Spanish national team, who recently beat England at the Bury St Edmunds 7s and will be competing in the IRB London Sevens.

On the way to the Cup final, Samurai brushed aside the likes of Kamikaze, Raging Bull Ronin, Marauders and Templars before meeting Global Fiji in the final. The Global Fiji side was captained by Gerhard Wessels and included a number of the players who appeared in the British Army side that won the 2010 MR7s. Both teams exchanged early tries before Samurai took a firm grip on the final and eventually ran away with the match 31-7.

Andy Titterrell (Leeds, England and British Lions) was on hand to present the awards over the weekend and a number of Sale Sharks players including James Gaskell and Nick Macleod were in attendance to soak in the atmosphere.

Off the pitch, the Festival was buzzing with over 100 rugby, touch and lacrosse teams and large numbers of spectators enjoying a variety of entertainment, including 10 live bands in the Festival Marquee, a bustling trade village and some very imaginative fancy dress!

“The 2011 Manchester Rugby 7s was a great success and the feedback we have received has been very positive. We are already looking ahead to next year and we would like to include further tournaments, sports and festival attractions” commented Marco Vaghetti, Festival Director.

The Cup winners for the other tournaments include – Tours 4 Sport (Business Cup), Manchester University (The Rugby Paper Men’s Open), Wooden Spoon (Ladies Open), Caldy RUFC (Men’s Social), Lymm RUFC (Boys U14), Pink Panthers (Men’s Beer) and Bareback Riders (Mixed Touch).

For all the results, photos, videos and news please keep your eye on www.ManchesterRugby7s.com