So finally we at UR7s have been able to reveal which core sides will make up the National Sevens Series which is running for the first time this summer in the UK.

Nine sides have been selected, who will play in each of the four legs of the Series; Rugby Rocks, West Country, Manchester, and Newquay.

There are some pretty familiar names in there and one thing we can guarantee is that this is going to a hugely competitive Series.

Yes the likes of the British Army, Samurai International, HFW Wailers (formally known as Kooga) and the White Hart Marauders will stock their sqauds deep with quality talent. But similarly to what we see on the IRB Series, I think there will be shocks along the way.

In the past many of these teams might have breezed through the early stages of tournaments but that won’t be the case in the National Series.

I think what we will see is a genuine ‘Cup Final’ atmosphere in each game with the margins so slim between sides.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the likes of Raging Bull Ronin and the Gilbert Pups can do when regularly mixing with some of the big boys of the invitational circuit. The Smurfs are another potentially dangerous side with some of Wales' best players on show all summer.

Apache have been very busy already this season as they try to find the right ingredients for their assault this season. Olorun ID have been making some positive noises over the calibre of player they are hoping to bring on board and have the ability to turn any of the big spuds over. Consistency is what they will be looking for though.

Predictions then? Well again that is head scratcher and far too early to tell. Previous years and experience tells us that the Army and Samurai will right up there by the time the teams head to Newquay for the final leg. Let’s see. It’s a hugely exciting time for UK Sevens and you won’t miss a thing here on UR7s.com.

Season hotting up

There has been some quality tournaments in the UK so far this season and three Premiership clubs were at last night’s London Floodlit Sevens at Rosslyn Park.

Legendary All Black Justin Marshall was down showing that Sevens is not just for the young guns whilst England unveiled their own new weapon - Manu Tuilagi.

Part of the famous Tuilagi dynasty that the brothers have built bovver the last 15 years, Manu qualifies for England and has a big future ahead of him. Who knows whether he will be a Sevens player long term but England Rugby looks like they have stumbled on their very own Mathieu Bastareaud!

I’m off to Bury St.Edmunds on Sunday where the likes of Samurai, Marauders, ID, and Apache take on Northampton Saints, England, and a strong looking Wales team. This is a growing event and outside of the National Sevens Series you will struggle to find a tougher event.

Up in the Scottish Borders it will be interesting to see if Melrose can close out the Kings of the Sevens title. They put in a stamina sapping performance last weekend winning two tournaments in two days to catapult them to top of the log. It is very tight at the top so will be fascinating viewing. 

All will be revealed next week folks!

National Sevens Series Teams

• British Army
• Samurai International RFC
• The Smurfs
• H F W Wailers
• Gilbert Pups
• White Hart Marauders RFC
• Raging Bull Ronin
• Apache
• Olorun ID