Netherlands national rugby sevens team
| Union | Dutch Rugby Union | |
|---|---|---|
| ||
| World Cup Sevens | ||
| Appearances | 1 (First in 1993) | |
| Best result | 21st place, 1993 | |
The Netherlands national rugby union sevens is a minor national sevens side. They have competed in the Hong Kong Sevens since the 1980s.
History
They are traditionally seen as "minnows", but have not been completely unsuccessful - for example in the 1989 Hong Kong Sevens, they beat Bahrain by a large margin: 24-4.[1]
In the 1988 Hong Kong Sevens, one of their players, Marcel Bierman broke his neck in a tackle, subsequently requiring a wheelchair as an assistive device. Naturally, this did not do rugby union in the Netherlands many favours.[2]
In the 1989, Hong Kong Sevens, the Dutch team had another claim to fame: it included no less than four brothers Hans, Andre, Mats and Peter Marcker.[2]
McLaren was particularly impressed by Bart Wierenga
- "the player who made the biggest impression was a gangly lad with a head of hair like a wind-blown thatched cottage, Bart Wierenga, who ran his heart out in a series of tingling performances."[2]
On the team's lap of honour, Wierenga wheeled Marcel Bierman around the pitch, who had been paralyzed the previous year to loud cheers and claps from the audience.[2]
EURFC member Rob Cuthbertson has been recently added to the squad after a successful trip to Casablanca. Having had previous experience at international level with England it is hoped that he will add some much needed talent to the squad.
Hong Kong Sevens
| Year | Venue | Cup | Plate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | Final Score | Runner-up | Winner | Runner-up | ||
| 1989 Details |
Government Stadium | New Zealand |
22-10 | Australia |
Tonga |
Netherlands |
References
- McLaren, Bill A Visit to Hong Kong in Starmer-Smith, Nigel & Robertson, Ian (eds) The Whitbread Rugby World '90 (Lennard Books, 1989)
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