CreditSam Hodgson for The New York Times
As a persistent drizzle drowned out the last fleeting moment of sunshine, Ben Rotstein scurried from field to field, chirping into his walkie-talkie and assuaging grievances of visiting rugby players, fully immersed in his first experience as the director of the New York Sevens Tournament.
“Looking at the date, the weather, and how far people travel, it’s a little confusing why people come,” Rotstein said. “But rugby is such an incredible sport. A lot of these teams have been coming for a long time.”
The New York Rugby Club has hosted its annual event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving since 1959.