JOHN INVERDALE ON CALL

Holloway will be appearing for the Scorpions, the regional star side put together by Worthing coach Ian Davies from Welsh regional teams Ospreys and Warriors. TV presenter John Inverdale is expected to present the trophies.

Entry has doubled from last season's event to 24 teams, at which number it will remain and bid to become one of the premier such events in the south. The holders are Prowling Pretenders, whon include players from Wasps, London Welsh and Cambridge University. Significant challenges are expected from Apaches, an invitational team from Bath and Bristol Shoguns, debut-making Sky Runners, and Scorpions.

Also appearing will be West Country Barbarians, from Swindon and including Fijian army players; Otters, who are Loughborough University old boys; Ronin Sevens, the Saracens Academy; NG Sevens, from Henley and Wasps; Worcester Crusaders, who are their Academy talent; Toolbox, who are the Durham University side; 23 Pioneer Regi-ment from the Army; Millfield Old Boys; and National League Three-populated Scufflers. Old Felstedians and Toolbox have played at the Amsterdam Sevens.

Team squads are limited to 12 players, only 10 of whom can appear in any one match. Once replaced, players may not return and blood replacements are allowed only from unused members of the nominated 10. If none remain, no replacement is possible.

Games are seven minutes each way, the final 10 minutes each way. Admission is 2 per car or 1 per pedestrian. Programmes are 1 but free to each car. The Tournament kicks off at noon, culminating in three finals beginning at 6pm with the Plate.