Press and Coverage

Memorial team aim for Sevens win

A rugby team from Birmingham are gaining a strong reputation on the Sevens circuit, three years after forming in memory of a young player. Boyce’s Barbarians came together after the death of Aaron Boyce in 2005, the team created by his older brother Ben. They go into the Aaron Boyce Memorial Greater Birmingham Sevens as one of the favourites after two quarter final appearances in the last two years. The tournament is on Saturday 17 May at Moseley’s Billesley Common ground. It is organised by Ben’s club, Selly Oak, with money raised from the event going to Aaron’s favourite charities, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and Wooden Spoon. “I think Aaron would be really pleased with the success of both the team and the tournament named in his honour as he was such a massive rugby player and fan,” said Ben. Boyce’s Barbarians have now become an officially affiliated Sevens side and will also take part in the Bath Sevens next month (taken from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7387744.stm )   Rugby tournament held in memory of city teenager May 19 2008 By Chris Henwood   THE family team of Birmingham teenager Aaron Boyce, who died of a brain hemorrhage, nearly claimed glory in a charity rugby sevens tournament held in his memory. Around 500 spectators defied the rain on Saturday to watch Boyce’s Barbarians – featuring Aaron’s brother, Ben, and dad, Max – make it all the way to the final, where they lost 31-0 to semi-pro outfit Moseley. Held at Moseley Rugby Club, Billesley Common, the annual event takes place in memory of talented 16-year-old sportsman Aaron who died three years ago. Around 140 players competed in 14 teams to once again raise funds to buy guide dogs. Organiser Ben Jowett said: “The weather did affect the number of people coming down, but 500 is still a good figure. “And it was a good day, but that was the third year running we’ve had rain. “Vicky, Aaron’s mum, said she blamed him because he was the only person who actually likes rain.” Since its inaugural event in May 2006, it has raised £17,732 for guide dogs. Mr Jowett said he hoped the weekend’s tournament had raised a futher £7,000. (taken from http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/05/19/rugby-tournament-held-in-memory-of-city-teenager-97319-20930840/ )

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