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The draw for the Middlesex 7s was announced today and there are some eye catching first round ties at Twickenham on July 9th.

Samurai International will be defending their title after taking victory against London Irish in the final last year and they open their attempt for back to back victories when they take on the in-form Olorun Sharks. Olorun are making their first appearance in the tournament and will be keen to show well on the big stage but Samurai will be favourites with players such as former England 7s captain and Treviso star Andy Vilk turning out for the Samurai.

Wooden Spoon will be taking on the White Hart Marauders in the first round which will be an interesting game as the 'spoons' attempt to take on one of the major powers in the Super Series. Leaders of the series Gilbert Pups have been given a tough task with national 1 club Barking, which will be stern examination of the boys in pink who have played so well this season.

In what will be a really entertaining match, Durham University, the BUCS Champions in both 7s and 15s will take on Brazil. Brazil will warm up for the big day at the Newquay Surf Sevens where they have taken one of the invitational spots in the Super Series finale. Durham have been training hard as they return to the stadium where they won the BUCS 15s title earlier this season against UWIC.

Another game of note will be between 2 of the Championship sides competing for the title as local boys London Welsh take on Plymouth Albion. With squads still to be announced their is no certainty on who Welsh will be putting out but in their squad they have a number of 7s players of note and could be a side to look out for.

The Middlesex Sevens is straight knock-out with the teams who lose in the first round dropping into the plate competition. Prize money is on offer with £10000 going to the winners, £5000 to the finalists and £3000 going to the side who wins the plate.

First Round Draw

Match 1: British Army v Apache
Match 2: HFW Wailers v Esher
Match 3: Wooden Spoon v White Hart Marauders
Match 4: Gilbert Pups v Barking
Match 5: Brazil v Durham Students
Match 6: London Scottish v Templar
Match 7: London Welsh v Plymouth Albion
Match 8: Olorun Sharks v Samurai