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UR7s caught up with former England International Phil Greening to learn more about his role as National Sevens Series Development Manager, his playing career in the abbreviated code, and his hopes for the future of the game in the UK.

First off Phil, how did you enjoy the National Sevens Series’ opening leg at RugbyRocks last Saturday?!

What a day! The high standards and drama from the National Series thrilled the crowds in Richmond. The final was a great advert to why sevens is such a brilliant sport. Fair play to Samurai to come back and win like that, it just shows their character. I can't wait for the West Country leg now.

From an event point of view it was superb with three separate competitions, the big screen showing the FIFA World Cup, and then everyone staying down to listen to the likes of Feeder and Just Jack. It really made for a cracking festival feel.
 

In your playing days how did you become involved in sevens and what did you learn from it?

I was actually coming back from injury and Clive Woodward wanted me to go and get some fitness back. Sevens is a part of rugby which really suited my game. It helped develop my skill set and confidence in a game situation as-well as my decision making.
 

How does it compare representing your country in 15s and 7s?

I remember heading into my first sevens tournament with England, it was a pretty daunting time as there is no place to hide. It is so open and you find yourself under the microscope a lot more. I had already got about 18 caps for England, but it was scary playing such a fast game like sevens. There are lightening quick guys and on the circuit and you play in front of a lot of people!

Do you wish there had been a National Sevens Series around while you were a youngster learning the game?

Absolutely. Sevens is becoming a vital aspect of a player’s development and can give them a big push in their 15-a-side careers. I wish I had played a lot more sevens growing up as I think I would have been a much better footballer. We now have initiatives such as the National Series that can help continue can give this boost up and coming players.

Has the UK been requiring some structure to its invitational sevens scene?

I think clubs and teams for years have been crying out for someone to pick it up and give it some structure, which UR7s has done with the National Sevens Series. It is a big boost to the sport in this country.

And what made you want to get involved and take up your role as the National Series Development Manger?

It’s a great concept and something that I feel really passionate about. It’s all about continuing to develop the players and the game in England. A National Series can do that and could aid the England Sevens team going forward.

Will the Series provide great exposure for players?

It’s not only a fantastic platform for young players to get noticed but also for sponsors and everyone involved in rugby really. It’s going to be exciting with the public getting to know about all the tournaments out there. Having the Series shown on Sky Sports will massively help in that regard and is a great example of what is to come.

Sevens is really beginning to immerse itself into the English rugby landscape. What other changes do you think we could see leading up to the Olympics in 2016?

I think it is important that we see it heading into schools and maybe even be part of the curriculum. That’s the case in other countries like Russia and China. With UR7s helping to grow the game, people are going to start realise its significance.

Do you think we could see a similar format rolled out in other countries?

Yeah I think it is something we could definitely see happening. With rugby sevens becoming an Olympic sport. expect the sport to grow internationally in places like China, Russia, and Africa.

With the Series heading to various different parts of the country, lots of people can get a chance to see top quality action?

Definitely, I think this is a really important aspect of this. Another key point is that some of the locations are not necessarily rugby sevens strongholds, but they are big rugby areas.

It can expose sevens to people who are already big fans but might not know the abbreviated code that well. Also for people who are new to rugby, sevens is a great starting point as it is easier to understand. It’s exciting and with all the other festivities that are part of sevens tournaments, it will make people want to come again.

And how important is that the National Series is just one element of these fun fuelled tournaments?

Sevens has a real festival ethos that surrounds it. You look at the likes of Hong Kong and Dubai who have been doing it for years and it is a hugely important ingredient to why they are so successful. UR7s have really understood that and have incorporated that into this inaugural event. 

For those new to the sport of rugby sevens, what can they expect to see from the National Sevens Series?

Expect high pace and high drama. It’s the most exciting parts of rugby and 14 minutes of pure entertainment. You really will see end-to-end drama at all four of these events and all the thrilling aspects of the sport.

The fact that the National Series is part of these festivals only adds to the excitement. It all adds up to a thrilling weekend!