Ultimate Rugby Sevens (UR7s), has today announced that Sky Sports will broadcast this summer’s inaugural National Sevens Series.

Sky will screen a 90 minute primetime highlights show from each of the four tournaments that will incorporate the Series across June and July.

The festival events take place in London, Bath, Manchester and Newquay.

The Series features nine of the top specialist sevens teams battling it out for the overall title. Some of the UK’s most exciting up and coming talent will compete alongside seasoned internationals from the IRB Sevens World Series.

"This is a hugely exciting development for sevens in the UK. The reach and exposure that Sky Sports will bring the Series in its first season will be significant not only for the Series, its tournaments and teams, but also for the profile of the sport domestically," said Tim Lacey, CEO of Ultimate Rugby Sevens. ’

Former England international Phil Greening, the National Sevens Series Development Manager, added:

"The Sky deal is a great reflection of the interest and excitement that is rapidly building around the vibrant summer sevens scene in the UK.

"The Series is gathering fantastic momentum in the build-up to its first event, the RugbyRocks London 7s, which is set to kick festivities off in some style on 12th June in Richmond."

National Sevens Series on Sky Sports

RugbyRocks London 7s (Richmond Athletic Ground), 12th June 2010

15/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30
15/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 23:00
16/06/10, Sky Sports 2, 9:00
16/06/10, Sky Sports 4, 14:00

West Country 7s (Keynsham RFC), 19th June 2010

22/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30
22/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 0:00
23/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30

Manchester 7s (Sale FC, Heywood Road), 4th July 2010

07/07/10, Sky Sports 4, 19:30
07/07/10, Sky Sports 4, 23:00
08/07/10, Sky Sports 3, 08:00

Newquay Surf 7s (Newquay Sports Centre), 17th July 2010

20/07/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30
20/07/10, Sky Sports 3, 23:00
21/0710, Sky Sports 4, 12:00

Timings subject to change*

For further information, go to www.nationalseries.com.