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This weekend sees the FIRA European Sevens Finals take place in Russia’s Moscow.

Twelve nations have earned the right to compete at the end of season-of-finale after competing at various qualifying stages throughout the summer. 

Hosts and defending champions Russia will believe they can once again lift the title they won a year ago in Hanover.

They were the winners in Odessa (Ukraine) at the fourth FIRA tournament of the year, beating Moldova in the final. Promising performances at various legs of the 09/10 IRB Sevens World Series have further developed Pavel Baranovsky’s side.

2008 champions Portugal were late qualifiers for the Finals but took back-to-back stages in Paphos (Cyprus) and Split (Croatia) meaning they are ranked top seeds.

Spain took the first two tournaments of the season in Poland (Sopot) and Odense (Denmark) and warmed up for this weekend’s action with a successful day at England’s West Country Sevens.

France and Italy are other teams firmly in the running to be crowned 2010 European champions.

Saturday (July 10) will see the twelve sides split into two group of six for the Pool stages with the knockouts set for Sunday (July 11)

Russa's capital will aso welcome ten teams weekend competing for the FIRA European Women Sevens title. England are back to defend the crown they won last year following a 20-12 victory against Spain in the final.

Sevens is slowly becoming prevalent in Russia with the country getting a huge boost back in May. The IRB Council announcing the country would be hosting the next Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2013.

2010 FIRA European Sevens Finals

Men

Pool A: Russia, Portugal, Poland, Moldova, Italy, Georgia
Pool B: Ukraine, Romania, The Netherlands, Lithuania, France, Spain

Women

Pool A: England, Sweden, Italy, Germany, France
Pool B: Russia, Portugal, Spain, Finland, The Netherlands

Related articles:

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Portugal open FIRA account with win
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Spain win again on FIRA Sevens
Spain win FIRA Sevens opener