Scrum on down to rugby tournament

Four teams - two from the host club, and one from Hastings & Bexhill and Cranbrook - were confirmed at the time of going to press.

There is a possibility of more because Ashford were due to confirm their intentions last night (Thursday) and Eastbourne had expressed interest without giving a definitive commitment.

Tony Pierce, of Rye RFC, said: “There was a time when we would get 10 or 12 teams without any trouble at all, but it’s going to be a fairly quiet affair.”

The 15-a-side competition will get underway at 1pm and run throughout the afternoon. The duration of matches and tournament format will depend on the number of participating teams. There will also be a barbecue and licensed bar.

Pierce added that Rye’s preparations for the 2011/12 season are going well. Several new faces have attended training and around four promising young players are eager to make the transition into the adult ranks soon.