World Cup 7s - Day Five

At last - the day had arrived, the start of the World Cup 7s.

The team meeting at 8am has been canceled so that people can enjoy a lie-in - bliss!
Breakfast is followed by a walk around the marina with a few others and then coffee - a time-killing exercise before a 2pm pick-up for the trip to the ground.

There are two game pitches at the tournament, and the first games kick-off at 5pm. But before that we have yet another run-through and the official team photo on the main pitch.

Eventually my turn arrives as touch judge one (or assistant referee if you want to be PC) for the Argentina v Uruguay men's pool match. This appointment was a pleasant surprise as I wasn't expecting to be involved in the men's side of the competition.
The fact the iRB have appointed women to officiate on the line in the men's game is a huge step forward, sure to impress the watching Olympic Games blazers!

And the game passes without incident - not the best match, but I'm just pleased to have been a part of it.

In fact the whole afternoon and evening passes without controversy, so the officials team eventually board the bus at 9.45pm happy in the knowledge the first day has gone reasonably well.

And now I can't wait for my turn in the middle tomorrow... roll on Friday.