The 5th European Universities Rugby 7s Championship opened yesterday in Lille, France.

The athletes participated in the march pass, walking through the campus and entering the University building where the opening took place.



At the opening ceremony, the participants were welcomed on behalf of EUSA by Mr Sinisa Jaasnic, EUSA Vice-President. Together with the technical delegate Mr Bob Reeves, they will assist the organising committee in ensuring a great tournament.

After the speeches, representatives of the athletes and the referees read the oaths, promising fair play and respecting the rules of the game.

For three days - between June 29 and July 2 - eighteen university teams (10 female and 8 male) from five different countries (France, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany and Portugal) will compete on the grounds of the sports complex of Lille 2.



Women: University of Kiel (GER), University of Marburg (GER), University of Manchester (GBR), University of Exeter (GBR), Leeds Metropolitan University (GRB), University of Chester (GBR), University of Coimbra (POR), University of Bordeaux (FRA), University of Paris 13 Bobigny (FRA), Lille Nord De France University (FRA)

Men: WG Magdeburg (GER), Ghent University (BEL), University of Bristol (GRB), University of Manchester (GBR), New University of Lisbon (POR), University of Porto (POR), STAPS Orsay (FRA), Lille Nord De France University (FRA)

For more information, results and photos, please see the official website www.eusarugby2011-lille.com.