A pitch without pitchers

Friar John is going to be a little out of his element this weekend. This oblong ball is going to get some getting used to. But the fact-paced rugby tournament taking place Saturday and Sunday at PETCO Park looks like a hoot.

The USA Sevens event features international teams playing a souped-up version of rugby. Teams of seven play on a standard-sized rugby pitch for 14 furious minutes. The schedule has a new game starting every 22 minutes. Sixteen nations will play 44 matches over the two days.

Rugby is well-known for its party atmosphere, and that tradition will be celebrated in a Fan Festival in the Park at the Park beyond center field. It's worth checking out.

Ticket info, the tournament schedule and team details can be found on the USA Sevens Web site.

See you there,

FJ