Future rugby stars are set to shine at the 54th annual Taieri sevens tournament on Sunday.
Taieri Junior Rugby president Rob Fowler said about 1000 players, in about 90 teams, would tackle the annual tournament at Peter Johnstone Park in Mosgiel The players were aged between 6 and 13 and came from across the South, including Gore, Wanaka and Methven.
''They play good rugby and the people watching get really excited.''
More than 2000 supporters were expected to attend between 10am and 3pm.
Some of the spectators were parents and grandparents who had played in the tournament.
The catering pre-order included 600 pies, 800 sausages and 400 meat patties.
Methven would return this year to defend its under-13 title.
''But Taieri will give them a good chase,'' Mr Fowler said.
Several clubs were strong and many country clubs had an unknown factor, which could be an advantage, he said.
Former All Black John Timu was bringing a team from Wanaka.
Last year, Highlanders' head coach Jamie Joseph attended unannounced.
A committee of eight had organised the event over the past month and 20 Taieri junior coaches will start preparing the park for play from 6am on tournament day.
