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With the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Sevens Series is about to kick off its 2nd season, UR7s got the chance to ask 2 of the stars of the Harlequins team this summer; England international Ollie Lindsay-Hague and hot 7s prospect Miles Mantella.

Ollie, thanks for speaking to us. How can you compare the Premiership 7s to the IRB World Series, and how will you experience on the international stage benefit this summer?

OLH : In the World Series you are playing for your country so it means a lot and inevitably is a bigger stage. The standard is really high on World Series but the JP Morgan 7s will be a good standard as well and all the players will be keen to show what they are made of.

I hope that my experience on the international stage can help my team mates out and give us as team more confidence to take into the game 7’s.

Who should we be looking out for the on the Quins team?

OLH : Players like Tom Williams have a lot of experience in playing premiership rugby regularly and having played in Heineken Cup. We also have boys with serious pace like Ross Chisman who has benched a lot for Quins in the 15s game and if he plays watch out for his speed and strength.

Hate to give him too much credit but Miles Mantella has a lot of talent and pace so someone to watch out and big forwards likes Yorker – Chris York - who is strong and a big tackler

What can we expect from Quins in the JP Morgan 7s this year, have you spent a lot of time training for 7s?

OLH : Expect fast paced game. We will always look to play quick taps and fast tempo which the teams won’t be able to live with and spectators will enjoy watching us with our talent and pace. Training wise, back in full time training now with all the guys so looking to get as strong and fit as I possibly can before the 7’s starts.

Will we see you on the World Series again next year?

OLH : If I get picked then definitely– so fingers crossed.

You played in both the Prem 7s and the National Series last year, how has the benefited your development as a player?

MM : It really helps with your development; It just it gets you playing in front of larger crowds and in more pressured situations which are more akin to playing in the premiership. It is a real chance for you to show what you can do and gives the young boys an opportunity to perform.

What do you enjoy most about playing 7s?

MM : Ollie and I used to go to same school (Millfield) so grew up playing 7s. It just gives you more opportunity on the ball and more of chance to show off your skills, the otherside though is there is no where to hide and you can always be found wanting.

What would it mean to you to play in the final for Quins at the Stoop?

MM : It would be amazing in front of a home crowd and with quite a few people there including family and friends, it being on ESPN it will be great exposure for the game. Plus it is right at the start of the season it will be a great chance to show how fit I am and how Quinns want to go on in the new 15s season.

JP Morgan Prem 7s in July or Aviva Prem 15s in dark January?

MM : Mmm tough question! 7s is great enjoyment and a great spectator sport but ultimately one of my goals is to work towards a place in the 15. I don’t want to specialise too early as I get alot of enjoyment from playing both; 7’s has become quite specialised...I just want to keep my options open.

Guys, thanks for sitting down with us and Good Luck!!

The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series 2011 kicks off on Friday 15 July at The Recreation Ground in Bath where Harlequins face Exeter Chiefs, London Irish and the home side Bath. Quins will be hoping to qualify for the finals at The Stoop on Friday 5 August. For more information please visit www.jpmorgan7s.com Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492. 

J.P. MORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT PREMIERSHIP RUGBY 7S SERIES 2011

The J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s Series is set to sweep across the country again this summer. The 12 Premiership Rugby clubs will be split into three groups for the tournament, with the winner and runner up of each regional event going through to the final.

There will be six games on each evening, with each match consisting of two seven minute halves with a two minute break, ensuring a high-energy and high-scoring game. Events kick off on Fridays at 7.30pm, finishing at 10.30pm and feature, live music and family entertainment, ensuring a storming night out for all.

Friday 15th July, The Recreation Ground, Bath
Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins, London Irish

Friday 22nd July, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Gloucester Rugby, London Wasps, Northampton Saints, Saracens

Friday 29th July, Edgeley Park, Stockport
Leicester Tigers, Newcastle Falcons, Sale Sharks, Worcester Warriors

Friday 5th August, The Twickenham Stoop
The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series Final