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Robin Heymann

Soon all the hype and expectation associated with the inaugural National Sevens Series must end. Come Saturday morning at 10:00am the spectacle that has taken two years to put into fruition will finally commence. The National Sevens Series is here. 

On paper it doesn’t sound that difficult.

The Series, brought to you by Ultimate Rugby Sevens, consists of four tournaments in June and July in different parts of England (London, West Country, Manchester, Newquay). There are 12 teams at each event. Nine of which are ‘core’, meaning they play in all four, with three different guest sides invited to each tournament to make the overall 12.

Simple right? Well, not really. Throw in selecting the tournaments and teams, heaps of red-tape, insurance, contracts, commercial agreements, broadcasting deals, and all of the tournament staff that are required and you start to get an idea of the work it has taken to get to this stage. 

The duo of Tim Lacey (CEO, UR7s) and Tom Burwell (National Sevens Series Operations Director) have been the architects.

The pair have put together the concept and some much-needed structure and consistency to the vibrant but fragmented invitational sevens circuit in the UK.

Although each overall tournament is run independently, Burwell will oversee the National Series proceedings that will incorporate all four.

Different type of challenge

Burwell’s rugby administrative past should stand in him in good stead. Experience working on the Women’s World Cup, Under-20 World Cup, Churchill Cup, and Heineken Cup is emblazoned on his CV, but he admits the National Sevens Series has been an altogether different challenge.

“I have been lucky enough to work on tournaments all over the world,” explains the 26 year-old.

“As a Tournament Director or Match Director at events like the Women’s World Cup or Heineken I have specific roles. But more importantly we have a sizeable work force to ensure we deliver.

“But with the National Series we have had to make this happen all ourselves. It really has been the whole process. In total we are balancing 21 teams, over 300 players, four tournaments, commercial partners, four teams of officials, television production - all via a small core group of us.”

RugbyRocks, a fusion of high quality music and rugby, is the only brand new event in the Series, with the other three already established tournaments in the busy UK calendar. Is it a risk incorporating it into the Series, especially as the opening leg?

“Tim and I were sure that we wanted to start the Series in London and with a bang. Around 12 months ago, as things were beginning to take form behind the scenes with the teams, we were approached by Ed Kemp and Rob Westworth (Tournament Directors of RugbyRocks) who proposed the tournament,” adds Burwell .

“These guys have a great package and concept combining a music festival and rugby at the home of sevens in London, Richmond. Along with the National Series there is a strong Men's and Women’s Open competition and world class acts like Feeder and Just Jack performing. We have worked with Rob and Ed throughout the process in delivering what we hope will be a great start to the Series.”

Blend of teams the key

Tournaments, check. Now what about selecting the core teams that will fill the main National Sevens Series stage? There are high profile invitational sevens sides that were likely to be involved but getting the right balance and keeping things competitive is crucial.

Apache, British Army, Gilbert Pups, H F W Wailers, Olorun ID, Raging Bull Ronin, Samurai International RFC , The Akuma Smurfs, and White Hart Marauders RFC have all been signed, sealed, and delivered.

Some sides were always going to have to miss out, which has caused disappointment, but Burwell feels he has secured the right blend.

“The process of inviting the teams to be core members of the National Series was one that took some time. We wanted to make certain of two things. First that we recognised the heritage of these sevens sides in the past, as these are the teams that have helped build the UK sevens circuit into what it is today.

“Secondly we need to keep one eye on the future. The teams have signed five year participation agreements, so we have shown real commitment to them and vice-versa.”

Along with these set sides will be three guest sides. This is an area which Burwell has relished as it has given him the chance to dive into his contact book and reach out to sides from North America, South Pacific, and Continental Europe. For Saturday’s RugbyRocks, the Irish Raiders, French Pyrenees, and local English boys Esher RFC will join the nine other teams.

“With regards to the invitational teams, we have worked with the individual tournaments to make sure that the extra teams will add to the quality of the event and give it an international flavour. This we hope can also drive spectators to these tournaments. Stay tuned as there are some interesting sides heading to the UK this summer,” promises Burwell.

Competitive like the IRB Sevens?

Many will remember a time on the IRB Sevens World Series, when it was just a case of New Zealand and Fiji  as the sole domineering forces. That of course has changed with the likes of South Africa, Australia, Samoa and England matching them now with the likes of Kenya, Argentina, Wales, and USA close behind.

Arguably the same could be said about the UK sevens scene, where previously the same sides would dominate and you could pick a winner early on. But times have changed and in conversations I’ve had with various teams there is a general consensus that there will be different winners throughout June and July.

“Of course there are some favoured teams in there that could rise to the top but akin to the World Series I am sure we will see some upsets,” predicts Burwell.

“I really think it is going to be competitive. I really couldn't foresee who will win or finish in the top four. Each of the sides has registered some great players with IRB World Series experience and there are no sides that stand out on paper.”

As UR7s revealed at the end of May, Sky Sports will be broadcasting the Series via a 90 minute primetime highlights show from each of the four tournaments.

It has added another dimension for Burwell who has to juggle the all important team and player experience whilst working with the Executive Producer of the programme in making sure the Series can fit around the needs of television.

Sky Sports provides even more exposure

"It has been long but rewarding experience and to see Sky Sports believe in our idea is really exciting."

 “I can’t wait to see the actual tournament happen now. The teams, tournaments, TV guys, commercial partners and ourselves have been talking about and planning for this for so long that when the first whistle goes it will be a long time coming!

"I very much look forward to taking the National Series 'circus' all over the country and to show the various rugby communities that the National Sevens Series has been worth the wait”