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The world’s largest rugby tournament, The National Schools Sevens, is bracing itself for 3000 children next week at the annual event at one of England’s oldest clubs Rosslyn Park. Enjoying its 70th anniversary this year, the event hosts boys and girls aged 13-19 in a series of separate competitions held over a week.

The Open competition is for the Under 18 Boys whose school plays rugby for two terms, whilst the Festival event, started in 1970, caters for sides who play just one term of rugby. Originally, the National School Sevens was a knock-out competition for English public schools. But much as changed since 1939 with interest in the event growing, Grammar, Comprehensive and Preparatory schools have also been included as well as a Girls Tournament.

A number of the game's most decorated players have successfully graced the playing fields of South-West London over the years, gaining valuable experience in competitive rugby at a young age. These include England stars past and present Lawrence Dallaglio, Phil de Glanville, Rory Underwood, Rob Andrew, Neil Back, Matt Dawson and Paul Sackey.

In recent years Wellington College have enjoyed a major stranglehold on the Festival notably winning a hat-trick of tournaments between 2000-2002 under the influence of Internationals James Haskell, Max and Premiership stars Thom Evans, and Tom Williams. They came unstuck in 2003 against a Nick Abaendenon inspired Cheltenham College but triumphed in 2005 and are perennially the team to beat.

Millfield traditionally prosper at the Open event and had a certain Gareth Edwards in their ranks back in 1966. James Simpson-Daniel captained Sedburgh school to victory in 1999 and this feat was repeated by his younger brother, Charlie, last year leading the school to victory once again. Simpson-Daniel Jnr has since gone to represent England Sevens this season at the recent World Cup in Dubai.

The competition has taken on a distinctly global feel with teams from Switzerland, India, West Indies, and the Ukraine bidding for silverware. This year sides from Romania, Nigeria and Poland will be seen in the Junior Tournament. The Colts tournament will see a Lithuanian side for the first time whilst Romania and Canada in the Girls Tournament all hoping to foster friendships and possibly reciprocal tours.

Stay tuned to UR7S in all the build up and results from the 70th National School Sevens