JONATHON BOLTER
back to news »7 things, I think, I think, at the end of the UK Elite 7s season
It's been quite a summer, I have been writing for other outlets, taking in tournaments all over the world and enjoying spending time with as many 'rugby guys' as possible, getting their thoughts on 7s in both the UK and further afield.
Having covered the National Sevens Series for UR7s last year, I feel I am in a good position to comment on where the game is 12 months on, the changes that have taken place, the steps forward and certainly the steps backswards, whilst also revelling in the great rugby that has once again been on show.
So, it's been a while but here we again with 7 of my own views, that I think, I think as the dust settles following a very different Middlesex 7s.
1. Super Sevens v National Sevens Series
I have taken some time to speak to both UR7s and many guys involved in the Super Sevens Series and the overriding feeling is that, it's fantastic that something took place in 2011. After the hard work and the huge steps forward that were taken last year with the National Series it would of been a tragedy if their had not been an elite invitational series taking place in England this year. My congratulations go out to the teams, for once again putting together top quality teams that produced some of the best rugby 7s that can be seen outside of the IRB circuit.
Let's be honest though, 2011 was not the same as 2010.
So much of what took place was a backwards step, from the fact that it felt like a man and his dog were watching some of the top rugby in the country at West Country and Newquay, to the lack of marketing, the fact that their were no tournament review/reports published outside of UR7s even on the Super Series website, that there was no marketing of the Super Series either online, offline or locally to each tournament. Television I understand, it's expensive but this cannot be forgotten that it was fantastic for the game. Hugely frutstrating for a journalist such as myself was that the publication of the results and league tables following tournaments were not often on the series website until shortly before the next tournament. There was no consistency and the series was difficult to follow in between tournaments.
Consistency for me was the issue across the whole of the Super Series, the fact the Samurai Barracudas put out traditional 'Barracudas' sides out for the first 2 tournaments and then appeared what can only be described as a Samurai International side for the final tournament. That there was no squad registration was madness, when sides such as Apache, Olorun, Wailers, Pups and Army were aiming to put the same team out each week, why take out squad registration, this only benefits one team on the field and benefit no team off the field as the product becomes diluted. Refereeing was inconsistent from game to game and the series was inconsistent from tournament to tournament, even the playing field looked different, I have seen better tournaments, more people and more commercially viable tournaments on both the US and British Colombia Sevens Series' when I have spent time over there.
I heard a rumour that teams themselves were doing the draws for the Super Sevens Series, there has to be someone neutral running the series, the idea of teams running the competition is ridiculous and I understand that the ownership has fallen on them but they must bring someone on to run the show so that questions on a number of areas don't continue to surface.
2. Middlesex Sevens was a great day out for players but has lost it's lustre
When Twickenham has very little seats filled, it is a lonely place and it felt like that on Saturday at times. In part because the ten thousand people there didn't really have anyone in particular to support. The crowds predictably got behind Brazil and Durham University but apart from that, no one really cared who won as a crowd en mass. This was not helped by Samurai International, it was a privilege to watch such a talented team take to field but they may have been the final nail in the coffin for the old tournament. The quality of the Samurai team meant that there was no jeopardy, everyone there knew who was going to win the tournament and it was just a matter of who they would beat. Middlesex 7s has been facing identity problems for a few years but they will face even more now as on live television the final finished 55.12!
There is not a team/side in that draw that can either afford or are able to put that type of team out, people speak of the British Army but this is not fair as who knows where there soldiers might be at any given time. Championship rugby clubs cannot compete and the other invitational sides, though they might hope to one day get to the level Samurai are at, they are not there yet and won't be for many years even if the invitational game survives and grows stronger.
So in it's current guise with the Premiership teams understandably only competing in their own competition (for consistency in product) Middlesex 7s has become merely a Samurai International procession and let's be honest Sky Sports will not broadcast that for long as the crowds themselves are proving that they will not continue to come back.
I am going to write a feature for UR7s in the coming weeks about what the Middlesex 7s can do to save the famous tournament.
3. Bournemouth 7s still leads the way.
I get very much caught between 2 spots when it comes to Bournemouth 7s, the first being the quality of rugby at the top end of the competition. It's not as strong as a number of strong open tournaments. Many of the well-known sides put in teams that would not grace series fields and the other teams competiting are a mish-mash of teams that have persuaded organisers that they are of the level. When this is put alongside the loud music, the general music festival feel of the competition and constant drinking of those around the field, you are made to feel that the least important part of the day is the rugby taking place and that it really is about the party.
The second of course, is the party itself and what having a ten thousand person festival under the banner of 'rugby 7s' does for the game itself. Some may argue that it damages the game, which is not just about the party but also about great athletes but others realise that the commercial side of Bournemouth 7s should be something that other big tournaments react and learn from. From simple things of a scoreboard for the main field, right through to everything the festival has on offer. Other tournaments, such as series tournaments need to realise that if crowds are to grow and do the rugby justice, other incentives need to be on offer for spectators and not just a band at the end of the evening or relying on being in Newquay. It's a classic busines studies term that you need to speculate to accumulate and it has to be time that others learn from Bournemouth and do this, for the good of the game and the good of their long term bottom line.
4. JP Morgan Sevens will be by far the better product this summer.
Last year the JP Morgan Premiership Sevens was put together in a rush and reactionary to the foward thinking National Sevens Series. Basically the intention of PRL was to get the competition on and get it on television. They didn't really think about the teams themselves, but this was not important. This year, the sponsors made sure it's important. We will be seeing some great players from the Premiership playing the shorter version of the game. Harlequins include Lindsay-Hague, Tom Williams, Mantella whereas i'm sure we will see players of a similar level throughout the series. With the Super Series not having the star power that it had last year, I am really looking forward to watching Premiership rugby on the 7s field.
It's not just on the field that JP Morgan 7s is leading the way but the Super Series could learn alot from their Prem counterparts when it comes to marketing, as video virals have come out, free ticket giveaways, press releases with teams and players. All of this has been driven by the Prem 7s themselves and not the publications or outlets having so go searching for any information as was the case with the Super Series.
It's crazy but this time last year, we spoke of the Prem 7s Series having to learn from the other series, 12 monthes on and this has very much reversed.
5. I love what England have been upto this summer
I have thoroughly enjoyed the FIRA GPS this summer and I very much tip my cap to what Ben Ryan has been doing with the England side in Europe. Facing tough opposition in Portugal, Spain and Russia whilst Italy, France and Georgia continue to improve, the English have stayed strong in naming developmental squads including youth and experience as they look to grow their group of players for the World Series. This for me, is what the FIRA GPS should be all about for England, and shows how much 7s has changed. Only 3/4 years ago, players were in the England 7s squad were there for a couple of tournaments as they developed their skills for the 15s game, and this was with great success when you see how many of the players graduated to the full England side. Now of course, England 7s competes on a series where they are looking to develop players further in the 7s game to graduate into the England 7s World Series squad.
Mixing experience such as Cracknell, Norton, Rodwell and Royle with Watson, Erinlee, Lewis-Pratt and Edgerley is fantastic for Ryan and for England. England fell apart in London and Edinburgh in May, creating this sort of strength in depth means that it's highly unlikely to happen again as Ryan will not need to call on someone like Steffon Armitage but have players with international experience that can fit into the structure and fitness requirements that can be drafted in.
Well done Ben Ryan and those involved with 7s at the RFU. Firstly entering the FIRA GPS this summer and two, doing so in the best way for England 7s in the future.
6. Players I have seen on the Super Series who can play at a higher level.
The Super Series was not as strong at the top of the table by a long shot, but as Samurai, The Army and the White Hart Marauders slipped in their standards for obvious reasons, the mid-table improved and a number of players caught my eye, and I would bring into a 7s camp and work with them so that they are involved with international 7s in the future
- Elliot Frewun, North Wales Exiles (Wales) - Quick feet, good acceleration (centre at the next level), Elliott has more than enough ability to be playing for Wales this summer in the FIRA Series if not at the level above. Like Ricky Thomas last summer, Elliot has a bright future in the game and is someone to watch out for over the next 12 months
- Harry Rowland, Olorun Sharks (England) - The guy is a beast, and would fit the Cracknell, Aaron Myers, Chris Brightwell role seamlessly for England. One of the best leaders in the series, carries the ball, does the work on the floor, controls the game and has a tireless engine. Must get a shot at the level above before it's too late
- Warwick Lahmert, Samurai Barracudas (England/New Zealand) - Dual passport holder has great instincts, controls a game very well, makes his tackles and looking at other players that have been given a shot in previous seasons, well worth England bringing in to work with over the autumn in the lead up to the World Series.
- David Akinluyi, HFW Wailers (England) - He only played at Newquay and Middlesex and is injury prone but for me if Erinle is of the level then Dave has to be. So powerful on the ball, has an engine to match the smaller lads and takes some real stopping when he get's going. Has been looked at in the past for England 7s, needs to be looked at again.
7. Ben Gollings, right decision, but it seemed strange
I heard the rumour that Gollings was done before London 7s in May and I shocked then but didn't think much more of it. When the news came through officially though and I read the UR7s feature with him in the days following, it struck me that it seemed rather sudden. I actually think Ben Ryan has made the right decision, Ben has not quite been the same over the past 2 seasons and England need to look forwards to 2016 and begin to build a group of players below that, that specialise in 7s in the same way has Ben has so that they are peaking in 2016. What struck me, was the way it announced, it seemed like Ben had been fired for poor performances rather than building for the future, Ben seemed genuinely surprised by the decision that had been taken and certainly felt he had something to offer to the squad still. It just seemed that after 10 years of service, there was very little fanfare, perhaps this was because 7s is still not a big sport and even Ben Gollings is not that big of a star, I just felt his past deserved more congratulations even if his future in my mind was not with the England 7s side.
P.S - I do at some point want to address that Ronin who have never beaten a series 'core' side in 2 years and Kamikaze who finished 0-9 this season are great organisations and do great things for 7s in their area but they need to concentrate on Open level rugby and not the Super Series. Bring back the Smurfs of bring in the North Wales Exiles and go with 8 'core' sides and 4 invitational teams. Real quality in product is what matters.
It's good to be back on UR7s, and it's been great being at the series in the past few weeks, I shall look forward to giving you my views on the JP Morgan 7s, if you have any questions for me, comment on this article and I will come back to you as soon as I can.
As ever, see you at the Sevens!
JB
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Many years spent anonymously following 7s has had led to Jonathon forming some often controversial views on the sport. Hugely connected on the global circuit and with a bulging blackberry of contacts means UR7s will be often getting the inside scoop from him. Hold your hats folks as he paints his picture of ‘Joue Rugby’ dovetailed with a Moët lifestyle.
Got a question for Jon? Drop him an email on jon.bolter@ur7s.com
All blogumnists views published here are that of the author and not UR7s.com
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COMMENTS
JB Tue 12 Jul 2011 04:20
I agree with alot of what you have said JB but I also think you have contradicted yourself on occasion too. It has become In some part the team with the beat sponsorship deal for that particular tournament or season which fairs the best and not which is the better team as a whole but that filters more than skin deep than just samurai. For instance the series statement about kamikaze and ronin (my team). Where has for instance northwales exiles been for the last 10years and will they I'n all honesty be at the top I'n another 10years?. They have won a plate final I'n one series event with a samurai rejects team and you have them billed as the saviours of the bottom end of the series. Your own opinion but one I feel may be slightly flawed. Also putting renewed faith back I'n a team which fell out of existence as quick as they Rose into it is also I'n my opinion a view which proves that a distorted view of what is really happening behind the scenes. Good chat though JB and always entertaining:-)
Reply | Report this PostJonathon Bolter Tue 12 Jul 2011 16:09
JB,
Reply | Report this PostThanks for coming back to me and I appreciate your comments and really understand your feelings on the matter and if I have contradicted myself I apologise. I think this is more that I haven't gone into any further detail on the matter to really get my point across.
Your right that the success of teams often comes down to the sides with the best sponsorship, to offer players that bit more whilst also to the sides with managers who are in with the right clubs and have the power to pull teams in. The North Wales Exiles certainly don't deserve a spot based on the side they put out at Newquay over the incumbents. My view is more based on the need for a Welsh team to be in the series, the amount of quality that both the Smurfs had last year, the Scorpions have had in the past (welsh wizards) and the Exiles now have needs to be acknowledged on the series.
I am not billing NWE as saviours of the series, I am merely saying that I believe that a Welsh side should be involved in the series, with good solid financial backing and the choice of the best of Wales, they would be more than competitive.
I would of loved to of chat to you whilst I was down in Newquay, as it is obvious you guys have made strides since I followed the series last year but it cannot be denied that at the moment it strikes me that the top 7 teams appear to be moving further away from the bottom 2 and this is going to be difficult to halt.
I think my views also come from me not wanting to see the series become a closed shop, if sides struggle in the series, should they give way to a team that perhaps might not struggle as much, if this decision is proved wrong should it be reverted - well that would be promotion and relegation and that would require a series at the open level as well.........I spoke last year of being an advocate of some structure at that level as well (not in the same format)
I don't know the answers, I am merely here to speculate and spark debate between those that do, and hopefully keep people a little more informed. 7s as a sport needs to look after sides such as Ronin and Kamikaze as they do things the correct way and hugely support the game, if though the series wants to be the very best product it can be it cannot have a side go 0-9 and another not having beaten a series 'core' side in 2 years....so the onus is really on those teams themselves to make sure this does not continue otherwise these questions will continue to surface.
See you at the Sevens
JB
Barrie Torbett, White Hart Marauders Tue 12 Jul 2011 18:17
Bolts
Reply | Report this PostI have always enjoyed you coverage of 7s in general but i regret to say that your observations about the Super Series may have been different if you fully understood what we had to work with this year. This really was pulled out of the fire at 23.59 and the teams all pulled together to at least try and keep some momentum going knowing full well that we could not repeat the previous year given the time available.
You may not know that until a couple of weeks before the first event on June 4th, we had no sponsors, no website and no identity. We had invitations to attend 3 events but none of these events could put up a prize fund or indeed provide facilities and food for the Series Squads. The localised prize fund was provided by the squads paying an entry fee for each tournament and and with just over 10 days to go we secured some series sponsorship from Expandasign and ULR.
We know we have a long way to go and we are already starting the planning for next year and we hope that we can get things in place for next year involving more locations, more teams and some substantial media coverage.
We need the profesional clubs and the RFU to embrace our circuit not try and squeeze the life from it. In case anyone has forgotten we are volunteers that are passionate about 7s and we dont all have major sponsors. We are commited to developing the sport and the young home grown talent so please work with us.
BT
Jonathon Bolter Tue 12 Jul 2011 18:43
BT,
Reply | Report this PostI don't doubt that things have been difficult, I actually admire the work that has been put in by the teams and tournaments to make things happen on what sounds like a very short time frame.
This doesn't mean that comparisons should not be drawn to 2010 and also doesn't mean that it would be fair to say that due to pressures you guys have faced means that a step forward has taken place. What it does mean is that a Series has taken place and I am sure that everyone is aware that things will improve and steps will be taken moving forwards over the coming 12 months. I spoke of this at the top of my article and stand by it, it's imperative that the series took place and now there is a chance for it to grow.
I have to say, a short time frame didn't mean that there didn't have to be squad registration though? And once the series had started and kicked off, the late start didn't mean that there should be no marketing of the series during the series itself with regards to league tables and scorelines etc....
I will continue to cover the Series, honestly and fairly, I have no ties to the old series and personally also want to see the 7s develop in the UK and I look forward to watching the series grow over the coming years and feel confident that things will move forward.
N.B - From the conversations I have had this summer, I find it unlikely that the professional clubs will embrace the Super Sevens Series, the JP Morgan 7s will have moved forwards summer again and they are not volunteers, they are business man and for them their business is people watching in seats and on television and sponsors coming on board for their product so supporting something else is not likely. They don't support much else bar their league in the 15s game, so unlikely in the 7s
Once again, well done all for what happened in 2011 under tough circumstances, what transpires now is going to be very interesting for journalist like me, I wait in suspense :) and hope to continue to cover the a UK invitational series for years to come
Barrie Torbett, White Hart Marauders Tue 12 Jul 2011 19:37
JB
Reply | Report this PostI have circulated this blog to all concerned in order that they may contribute as they wish. In defence of the Series teams the marketing of these events was very much with the events themselves as in the previous year and clearly there is a need to raise the bar in this department and that will be addressed within the criteria for venues going forward.
It was agreed by all squads not to have pre registration this year due to the fact that player availability was always going to be an issue and this was reflected across the series with players turning out for more than one side.
Whilst this is not ideal it did mean that the best available players on each weekend were getting game time.
One of the areas we will work on is the timings of events so that we do not clash with club commitments and pre season.Your comments on the clubs not embracing the series is interesting. It will be interesting to see how many series players get invitations to play for the Premiership Clubs during their series.
I am pleased to say that the series has recieved a lot of attention over the last few weeks with offers of support and future sponsorship and those involved are confident that we can take this forward.
BT
Jonathon Bolter Wed 13 Jul 2011 00:07
Barrie,
Reply | Report this PostThe news of support and possible sponsorship is great news and I am sure is music to your ears. It sounds like you guys have things in control with regards to where your taking the series, I welcome any more views from people as I am going to be writing more often on UR7s and other outlets in the future so the more information I can get my hands on the more informed my opinions on things can be.
The Prem 7s will certainly be interesting, JP Morgan have insisted that teams take it a lot more seriously this year as, as I wrote often last year it was a joke with regards to the players who were playing, from the discussions that I have had with coaches and clubs though, many of the sides will be using their own players but I know of a couple of clubs that are continuing to invite players from outside of their contracted group, not that I will call these series players though as I am sure their own 15s clubs might have something to say about that.
Congrats again.
JB
Terry S Wed 13 Jul 2011 02:28
JB
Reply | Report this PostI share Barries views with regards to your previous coverage of 7s and have enjoyerd the lion's share of your coverage.
The Super Sevens Series was put together for 2011 after the original concept run by UR7s was unable to continue for whatever reason. The core teams became stakeholders in the 2011 series due to their love and passion for 7s. Without question the series created interest and competition regardless of how it was run (which as Barrie said was last minute and with absolutely no money whatsoever) and the 9 core teams all turned up and participated regardless of their team strengths and budgets. Teams such as Kamikaze and Ronin should be applauded for turning up and despite their relatively poor showing they held their heads up high and played rugby. There is certainly not an abundance of 7s players out there and so all 9 teams compete for players and they always will. Your comment where you name North Wales Exiles players as Samurai rejects is totally below the belt and is unjust and uneccesary and you have surprised and dissapointed me with such comments. Players improve and development regardless of who they play for. Some play for enjoyment and some play to develop and progress. Some players play consistently well and others not so consistently and this also creates player movement. You make alot of observations and comments when you do not know and do not consider all of the possibilities or facts. I can only speak for myself here (but feel sure the other teams are the same) and would point out that after the Barracudas won Rugby Rocks we tried to keep the whole team together to play in Bristol for obvious reasons. Only 5 were available and so we found ourselves having to find 7 new players. Every year the invitation teams source and find 7s players and every so often there is a Jewel in the Crown that will go on to represent their country and long may it continue. Having a Sevens Series (regardless of how it is run) is better than not having a Series at all. Look at the Kings of Sevens that is run in the Scottish Borders for example. There is no real format, no real set of rules and regs and from what I have seen no moaning or groaning or sour grapes every week. The teams buy in, turn up and play Rugby but they still have something to play for even if it is just a title.
If you are a real Rugby 7s lover you should be supporting the series and the teams not knocking them!
With regards to your Samurai team comments there are 2 sides to every story and I see no reason for me to have to explain my selection process but remember this - 3 weeks before Middlesex no one was 100% sure which teams had actually been invited and who had confirmed were and in fact 4 weeks before (when I started to look at selection) both England and Wales were going to participate with full strength teams and Kenya had been invited to attend! Had this happened would your views and comments about the Middlesex 7s have been the same then?
Your in rugby, Terry Sands.
Jonathon Bolter Wed 13 Jul 2011 14:42
Terry,
Reply | Report this PostFirstly, I am glad to see that my blog is so well read!!
Please don't think I am knocking the Series, I have honestly appraised the series from where I stood, watched and discussed with others. I have continually said that having the series taking place this year was vital and congrats should go out to those who made it happen, that being said, of course I am going to say what I believe went well and what could improve, and obviously comparisons are going to be made to 2010. I think it best to point out that, I am not the JB that called North Wales Exiles as Samurai rejects, that was the JB from Ronin. At no point will I ever make my blogs personal, I try to comment on rugby 7s how I see it that's all. I understand availablilty of players and the issues surrounding this, I do grasp how difficult it is to put sides together, that doesn't mean that I change my opinion on whether there should be squad registration or not, and I stand by the fact that Barracudas sides selected for the first 2 tournaments was vastly different to the 3rd tournament with regards to quality of player and I found this interesting with regards to the product on the field in a 'series'
Finally, please stop taking things so personally here, I did not attack Samurai for the side selected for Middlesex 7s, it was an absolutely joy to watch such quality rugby played by the Samurai side. My issue is with the Middlesex 7s themselves, if England, Wales and Kenya had been held true to their invites then of course the tournament then becomes a great spectacle, but these invites were never going to be held with the FIRA 7s taking place on the same weekend, neither side is deep enough to both. The area of concern is if Middlesex 7s continues where it has 1 World Class side in Samurai International then this is not a product for spectators or television viewers themselves. I only hope that Middlesex concentrates over the next 12 months getting other world-class teams to the party and makes sure Samurai are pushed harder than they were last week. In my view, you should continue to put together sides like you did, it was great for fans, it's down to the organisers to make sure that you have competition.
JB
Terry S Wed 13 Jul 2011 19:38
JB or not JB that is the question?
Reply | Report this PostThanks for your response JB.
I accept that everyone needs to have their opinion and in fact I am a big supporter of rugby debate but when writing to the general public and adding to debate it helps to have all of the facts.
The Middlesex 7s organisors never intended for this years 7s to be what turned out to be an extension of the Super Sevens Series. They did their best by sending out their invites to teams in the normal way but circumstances dictated that the invites were not accepted. Initially only the Army, (invited as they are every year) Samurai as last years winners and Pup's as best placed team at Rugby Rocks were teams invited to Middlesex. Initially England did intend to participate and I know that only 4 weeks prior to the event the M7s organisors still hoped for acceptances from Quins, Irish and Wasps as Middlesex County members. Wales had originally accepted and only called off 4 weeks prior.
All these teams were "expected" to be participating when I selected my 5 sponsored overseas players. I was not about to cancel invitations and lose money on flights when I found out these teams had been replaced with SSS invitation teams and why should I because on their day any SSS 7s team can beat another!
I always intended to have 5 Samurai "International" players participating at Middlesex with a plan that the other 7 would be from my Bristol and Rugby Rocks squads all playing as a team in Newquay. As is often the case with Invitation 7s best laid plans rarely come to fruition. The "new" team underperformed in Bristol with only 2 players putting their hands up for selection - Ed Telwright and Warwick Lahmert and so suddenly I was looking for 5 players I did not hope or expect to be looking for. I knew most or all available SSS 7s players would already be playing for other teams and so invited previous "Samurai" players like Andy Vilk, Tim Walsh, Gav Dacey and Michael Fedo!
In terms of preparation and considering I had ended up with only 2 players from the SSS as opposed to 7 that I had expected, it made the utmost sense to play them together at Newquay as a warm up for Middlesex!
Over the entire 3 x SSS legs I used 7 overseas non English players and under last years UK National Series rules and regs I "could" have had alot more! I bet not many people took these facts into account?
Whilst some management and coaching staff dont agree or like high quality high profile players playing in opposition teams. 90% of players do and actually want to play against the best. They want to test themselves against good players which gives them a great kick and helps their own development! Whenever Samurai are able to put out a quality team the opposition noticably raise there game which is good thing not bad!
With so many teams calling off for Middlesex at a very late stage of proceedings this made things very difficult for the Middlesex organisors who were forced into inviting more SSS teams. Middlesex's bad luck was good luck for several other teams.
Had England, Wales and Kenya turned up the M7s organisors would have been over the moon and we would have seen a different competition!
The Samurai team with representatives from 3 different Southern Hemisphere countries definately increased the amount of different nationalities bums on seats which is exactly what the Middlesex "Charity" 7s organisors would want. The same applies (but for different reasons) to Rugby Rocks, Keynsham, Newquay and Manchester. They want and need as many spectators as possible!
I could go on but I guess you would all fall asleep, LOL
Yours in rugby,
Terry S.
Jonathon Bolter Thu 14 Jul 2011 17:04
Terry,
Reply | Report this PostI really appreciate you coming back to me in open forum such as this, with an honest appraisal of how you go about putting your teams together, its invaluable information for guys like me but also for the 7s followers and participants both in the UK and further afield.
I can only imagine the issues that team managers face with regards to players, with you not having consistent squads and calling people in, I am sure one minute you have 12 and the next you have 9 and that is something that I don't think sides in the Prem 7s and USA 7s series will ever really appreciate, that being that until the squad turns up in the morning of the tournament, you can never really be sure who will be there. It certainly adds to intrigue on the morning of tournaments.
I understand that Middlesex 7s did everything they could to have the best teams taking part and I suppose my views primarily come from the feeling that M7s has been heading this way for quite a while and at some point there was going to be case that all of the sides would not be taking part, it shows the strength of the invitational game that the organisers were able to call upon quality sides to take their place all be it not sides that were going to compete for the title. That being said, the Pups, Wailers and to some extent Marauders and Olorun held their own on the big stage.
I am on the side of the 90%, I want to see the best quality rugby being played throughout the summer, it's just imperative that, one people are there to watch such rugby, for the sake of yours and the tournaments sponsors so there is a return on this investment and 2 that at least in the latter end of the tournaments their is real competitive rugby. If 1 side really is that dominant then people begin to switch off as they know the result, and sport is built on even competition. That being said Samurai have set the bench mark with regards to Rugby and organisation and sides need to now to try and emulate this both off the field with regards to financial support and then on the field with the selection of the right side that helps development of UK 7s and also as you say 'puts bums on seats' and if that requires players from further afield then that can only benefit in the long run.
What I did feel this year, was that for the first time in a while there were sides who are beginning to run themselves better off the field and in result are seeing improved quality/players participating for them on the field, the Wailers took another step forward this year, making the final in Newquay and winning the plate at Twickenham (the loser of the Esher, Wailers game was always going to be favorites for that, whilst the winner was always going to be the
biggest threat to Samurai). The Pups also stepped up again and showed what squad consistency can do. I hope now that sides like Olorun and Apache who had similar seasons to the Pups of 2010 can take a similar step forward, as the game can only be stronger with 4/5/6 teams competing for titles will see each teams brand grow and spectators take notice.
Thank you again for coming back to me, I only hope that my blogs continue to spark a reaction as the discussion that has taken place on here following the article should be a real insight for the readers (and myself)
Good luck
JB
Marcus Copeland Mon 25 Jul 2011 02:22
Wow! Look what's been happening while I was away on holiday!
Reply | Report this PostFirst of all, thank you JB (UR7s) for your very kind words regarding the North Wales Exiles. Based on our performances this season and last season we would certainly have been pushing for a mid-table finish in the Super Sevens Series this summer had we been invited to participate. Obviously we would jump at the chance of being involved in 2012 and in the absence of any other Welsh team putting their hand up I think we deserve the slot in recognition of our achievements over the last two years. I know Akuma Smurfs would certainly support our inclusion with several members of their squad guesting for us in 2010 and 2011, as would the lions share of the Welsh players currently playing on the UK sevens circuit. There is an obvious gap opening up this year between the top sides (with Samurai, Pups, Wailers, the British Army in the top tier, Oloron Sharks and the Templars just behind, and the rest of the field trailing) but with a settled side and consistency of tournaments, I believe we could head up the chasing pack! Poor refereeing denied us a semi-final place in the elite tournament at Manchester and the same can also be said about the final in Kinsale where, after completely outplaying the Pups in the semis, we were denied victory in normal time by a "dubious" forward pass decision in the final (maybe an article on the inconsistency of refereeing between different tournaments would stir up an interesting debate, JB?).
Now onto the personal and unjustified attack on the North Wales Exiles by JB, from Raging Bull Ronin. Difficult to know where to start without stirring up a hornets' nest but unfortunately your commenbts warrant a strong response. What our friend from Ronin must understand is that we have only been playing "competitive" sevens for just over a year. If my memory serves me right, Ronin won a relatively weak Open at Manchester in 2009 but have since failed to capitalise on this tournament victory despite attracting a significant kit sponsor. Would I want my name to continue to be associated with a team whose sole contribution to the SSS this season has been to lose almost every game they have played in? Bravo for continually turning up and for the spirit shown by the boys but is it not time somebody else was given a chance? Let's instead look at the North Wales Exiles performances since we won a strong Manchenster Open tournament in 2010. What you have to consider, JB, is that all our tournament wins have come about ON A SHOE STRING BUDGET. We travelled to the Kinsale Sevens without a physio or a coach (or even a gazebo, which in Ireland in April is rugby suicide) to save money, with a squad I picked myself having never played in an elite competition, and yet nearly came away with the spoils. Unlike some SSS teams, we were able to put out competitive teams throughout the season even when we were forced to field a below strength side for Newquay. Along the way we also uncovered some real gems, introducing the likes of Richard De Carpentier (now Leicester Tigers/England 7s), Ed Tellwright (England Students/GB Students/Sale), Elliot Frewen (Wales 7s/Newport), Danny Bibby (Sale Academy/UWIC) and Kieran Marmion (Ireland U20s) to the invitational sevens circuit, to name but a few.
Marcus Copeland Mon 25 Jul 2011 02:22
JB (Ronin) - Your comment, where you describe my squad as Samurai rejects, was absolutely disgraceful and insulting to both me and my squad. As a fellow team manager, I am disappointed you would throw such a low blow and talk about professional players in such a derogatory fashion. Had you bothered to do your research before posting your ill-thought out comments, you would have noted that ONLY TWO of my 12 players at Newquay could conceivably be classed as Samurai players (Tomi Jones and Ben Jones). Samurai and North Wales Exiles - or any other invitation team for that matter- do not ''own'' players and I am unaware of any players being contracted to play for you, Samurai or any particular invitation team? North Wales Exiles have played in just four tournaments so far this year - reaching three finals and winning two. For complete clarity and in the continuing spirit of openness, I have listed my full Newquay squad below and alongside I have marked just how many times each player has appeared for the North Wales Exiles and likewise for the Samurai Barracudas.
Reply | Report this PostPaul Jarvis - 4 appearances for NWE and none for Samurai.
Danny Bibby - 4 appearances for NWE and 1 for Samurai.
Chris McTurk - 1 appearance for NWE and none for Samurai.
Gerwyn Price - 1 appearance for NWE and none for Samurai.
Gareth Beer - 1 appearance for NWE and none for Samurai.
Tomi Jones - 2 appearances for NWE and 3 for Samurai.
Shaun McArthy - 1 appearance for NWE and none for Samurai.
Elliott Frewen - 4 appearances for NWE and none for Samurai.
Adam McEnzie - 1 appearance for NWE and none for Samurai.
James Twomey - 1 appearance for NWE and none for Samurai.
Ben Jones - 1 appearance for NWE and 2 for Samurai.
When my hastily assembled, low budget, unsponsored, understrength squad of Samurai rejects was running in their 50th - or was it 60th - point past Raging Bull Ronin in the Newquay Plate Final (genuinely we lost count and, yes, we also had injuries but did not go running to the Gilbert Pups looking for replacements) it was a proud moment given that this was our first ever SSS event. Why spoil it for us, JB, or is it a case of sour grapes because your side had been beaten heavily by a guest team making their debut in the competition?
Now back to "UR7s" JB. I actually think the SSS is a fantastic competition in whatever guise. Whether run as this year on a shoestring or indeed in the more flambouyant way it was run by UR7s in 2010, given the chance NWE would relish the opportunity to be involved in 2012. We can't promise to end Samurai's dominance or immediately compete with the fantastic squads that HFW Wailers and the Gilbert Pups have fielded this season but hopefully we can try and offer a far more competitive option than the teams currently propping up the lower end of the table. Judging by our previous performances, imagine what we could do if we managed to attract a major sponsor? Hint hint....
Anyway interesting stuff, gentlemen, and well done Jonathan Bolter for instigating such an exciting discussion topic. Thank you to those of you who have supported us this year or offered your help and guidance (Terry Sands and Barrie Torbett have both offered invalauble advice and words of wisdom to an often over-excited Marcus - the rest of you know who you are) and a final word to the very small minority of one whose comments above have been less than fair: If I was a respected sports clothing manufacturer or sponsor with a brand to push and I had a choice between backing an exciting up and coming sevens team packed full of flair players and raw young talent or a team who have consistently under-performed over the last two seasons, I know where I would invest my money. Samurai Rejects doesn't really work for me. Raging Bull Rejects - it almost rolls off the tongue... ;-)
Yours in rugby,
Marcus
Barrie Torbett, White Hart Marauders Mon 25 Jul 2011 20:52
Over-excitable Marcus.
Reply | Report this PostGood to see you and JB of Ronin getting on so well !!
May I offer a few words of "wisdom" as someone whose team has been around for over 30 years. Get a new PR consultant.
Bolts
I hope like me you have been playing spot the big names in the Premiership 7s! How many series players have you seen so far?
Stand out man so far is James Short of Sarries previously of WHM!
If you are in Worthing this weekend please come and say hello.
BT
Marcus Mon 25 Jul 2011 21:22
Barrie - Point taken! Olive branch and white doves at the ready...
Reply | Report this PostI was gonna go for Mark Woodrow, of Gloucester (Gilbert Pups and Susies Saloon). Thought he was outstanding on Friday but was let down by a weakened Gloucester side?
JB-RBRonin Mon 25 Jul 2011 22:04
Marcus - without wanting to drag this thread out any longer and obviously you have you views on what has been said i feel i should reply. I would firstly like to say that my statement was in direct reply to the points JB had stated about my team and not directed at you. You have since listed your team from Newquay and after some initial info I had received, my comments were not founded on solid evidence therefore I apologise. I ‘d like to draw you to the fact however, and not biting back in any way but for info , the team that won the open in Manchester 2009 played in both the open and the elite at the same time due to a drop out and we actually helped Marcus , event organiser, fill a whole(And those boys actually came off a 3 week Infantry exercise the day before the event , so talk about a weakened side!) so that team played 11 games that weekend many back to back. (And not an army reject side as none had played for the army then or since). Then in 2010 the team in the open who just lost to kamikaze main team was our academy, as we won the plate in the series just as you had done at Newquay. No difference. Therefore, apart from our very similar spoils you approach budgets assuming we have a large sponsored budget. Without even looking at your own, and without displaying any figures, id be happy to chat openly offline, I can guarantee that we had a lot less for any event you have attended all summer. And we played at 8 events so far and another this weekend. And like you, we make it happen somehow, for the love of the game. I do think that there’s room for you guys on the series, but at the cost of teams like us and kamikaze I don’t think so. Not when the level of some of the invite teams over the last 2 seasons has been so inconsistent. I think attacking us in a similar manner sponsorship wise is equally blinkered but I will put it down to red mist as again like myself im sure your unaware of the full facts. Us teams should be looking to help each other and not climbing on each others backs, so ill put my hands up for what has been picked out of my red mist comment. But I do think a rugby 7s magazine however, should be building things up for all teams rather than slating teams and the series down. If I was a big sponsor i wouldn’t want to back the series or a selection of teams after reading this article so whichever way you look at the thread, the article itself has done the most damage. Yours in rugby JB-Ragingbull- “Ronin” :-)
Reply | Report this PostMarcus - North Wales Exiles Tue 26 Jul 2011 02:48
JB - Ronin Cheers for having the balls to apologise and we've since had a brief one to to one so you can chill now, Barrie. I think JB and I have both made passionate defences of our teams which shows we genuinely care for the sport so thankfully the next Plate Final won't be a bloodbath! And so they all lived happily ever after... :-)
Reply | Report this PostRob Cain Tue 26 Jul 2011 20:53
Quarter Finalists International Invitational Dubai 2009
Reply | Report this PostQuarter Finalists Roma 7s 2010
Quarter Finalists Amsterdam 7s 2010
Finalists Bournemouth 7s 2010
Semi Finalist International Inviational Dubai 2010
Quarter Finalists Bournemouth 7s 2011
Quarter Finalists Charity Middlesex 7s 2011
Semi Finalists Manchester 7s 2011
Finalists Amsterdam 7s 2011
Brief Selection of Templars Dan Norton Eng, Fraser Hrakness Sct, Alfred Penelise Nz, Randall Kamea FIJI, Nikola Matawalu FIJI, Peni Gauinmeke FIJI, Philip Burger SA, Henry Speight Brumbies, Nathan Hohaia Taranaki, Rikki Bradford Bullls.
Let us know when we manage to bridge the gap to the top tier teams , be much appreciated.
Barrie Torbett, White Hart Marauders Fri 29 Jul 2011 18:10
Hi Rob
Reply | Report this PostIs that a hat I see in the ring?
Discussions are already underway about the size and structure of next years SSS and as soon as the proposals are approved by the current stakeholders we will no doubt be talking to interested parties that wish to get involved and are prepared to committ to the qualifying criteria.
BT
http://shopinq.com/ Sat 11 Feb 2012 13:22
k6zRWJ I must admit, the webmaster is a cool guy..!!
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