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This weekend sees the 2nd annual USA Collegiate Sevens taking place in Philadelphia and with it the 7s buzz returns to the USA for the first time since the IRB Sevens took place in Las Vegas in February. Once again the growth of 7s in America is on display with the tournament being broadcast on NBC across the country with some of the best players in the nation taking part for some of the best known Universities, who many are more accustomed to lifting the glass trophy in College Football but this weekend it's rugby on the agenda.

All information has been taken from www.usasevenscci.com where further information on the tournament including tickets, television schedules and information can be found

Pool C Preview 

ARMY

Army was supposed to be one of the frontrunners last year, with 7s Eagle Justin Hundley coaching alongside Army 15s coach Rich Pohlidal, but that’s not how it panned out for the Black Knights, who failed to bag a victory in 2010 (0-2-2). Army was competitive in every match, tying Pool C winners Arizona and rivals Navy. The Cadets’ two losses came by a combined six points. Back are Will Holder, who made the 2010 all-tournament team despite Army’s poor showing, and Ben Leatigaga who is a strong, talented runner. The West Point club is one with great pride, and their 15s team have been in good form in the new College Premier Division this spring. Army was certainly disappointed in their showing in Columbus in 2010, so don’t be surprised if the Black Knights are much improved this time around, with Holder and Leatigaga leading the charge.

CENTRAL WASHINGTON

Perhaps not the highest-profi le college in the CRC, Central Washington nevertheless brings some hard-won 7s bona fi des to the competition. CWU won the inaugural Northwest Collegiate 7s – in fact they did so well, their 2nd team fi nished 3rd! That success prompted the Wildcats to enter the CRC qualifi er in Las Vegas, which they won, defeating Kutztown University in the fi nal. Led by the powerful running of Kellen Gordon, who can play in the forwards or backs, and with uncompromising wing Tim Stanfi ll motoring down the sidelines, they have athleticism. Watch out, too, for forward Sean Wanigasekara, who has excellent aerial skills. But CWU really gets you in their teamwork and put up an excellent defensive front. They are coached by Bob Ford, with the occasional help of world 7s legend Waisale Serevi, who now lives in Seattle. By the end of the tournament, everyone will know about Central Washington.

NAVY

Navy’s style of play in 15s is confrontational, power against power. The switch to 7s for the Midshipmen has been, therefore, difficult. Even so, their 2010 CRC was relatively successful. They defeated Arizona State, lost a close one to a good Arizona team, and tied Army. Certainly both Army and Navy will want to revisit that game. Head Coach for 7s Mike Coyner, who played for the USA at 7s, has been working to develop the 7s skills through the season. “Most of the players developed a much better idea of how we need to approach playing 7s,” Coyner said. “That said, we’ve got a clean slate going into this year. We will have open tryouts and could come in with a completely different team than last year.” So no names as yet, but power-running Sean Rohrs and playmaker Matt Arnsberger could be two key cogs for Navy.

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina comes to the CRC as the runners-up of the inaugural Atlantic Coast Invitational 7s, which featured nine teams from schools whose traditional varsity sports compete in the Atlantic Coast Rugby League (ACRL). UNC bested seven teams before falling to rival North Carolina State in the final. The Tar Heels are a fit, diligent bunch, who may not wow with overall team speed or size, but will make any opponent work for what they get. “As in our 15s game, we play a very expansive, quick game, and we rely on being a little bit fitter, faster and harder working than other teams,” said team captain and 2011 ACRL co-Player of the Year Alex Lee, “and that will really translate to the larger, open field in 7s.” Lee’s a player to watch, and if a runner’s deserted in the open field, expect the British-born ball hawk to end up with possession. UNC is coached by Pete Earsman, a New Zealander with over 20 years of 7s experience. “I was playing and coaching 7s at a high level before 7s became what it is today, before anybody knew what we were doing out there,” Earsman said.