YORK RI RUFC will host a rugby sevens tournament for the first time this weekend.

Organised by the Rugby Football Union, the 24/7 tournament will involve ten sides - York RI, York, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Goole, Thirsk, Rascals, Northern Exiles, Scarborough, and the Wild Turkeys.

A total of 25 games, each 15 minutes in duration, will take place over the course of Saturday afternoon with the ten teams divided into two groups of five.

The winners of each group will meet in the final game for a place in the regional finals at West Park, Leeds.

Once there, they will subsequently have an opportunity to qualify for the national finals at the Recreation Ground, home of English Premiership club Bath.

Richard Francis', rugby development officer at York RI, said: "We have a good strong relationship with the RFU and this event is a great opportunity to draw attention to our club and raise funds."

Club chairman Brian Hutchinson said: "This is the first competition of its kind for our club and we hope to make it a yearly event. It would be fantastic to see a team from our heats go through and play in the finals at the Recreation Ground in Bath."

The event, which takes place at New Lane, starts at noon. Admission is £2 per adult and £5 per car.