• • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Technorati
  • Reddit
  • Stumble Upon
  • Furl

There’s another packed schedule of global sevens ready to kick off this weekend as the European and USA seasons continue.

With 4th of July Independence Day celebrations set to take place on Saturday, there will be a feast of US 7s talent on show at both the Cape Fear and Baton Rouge tournaments. Cape Fear is one of the biggest tournaments Stateside incorporating a Men’s Premier, Club, Social, as well as a Women’s Premier and Social. Some up and coming names in US Sevens and other players who have who were part of IRB World Sevens Series are set to turn out at Ogden Park, North Carolina. US Coach Al Caravelli is set to make an appearance checking up on his squad’s development, looking for any up and coming talent, and to see if Nova can retain the title they won last year.

The Baton Rouge Redfish Sevens is also set for Saturday; Louisiana’s biggest tournament. Perhaps famed for the Cajun, as well as the rugby, the event will see Men’s, Women’s and a High Schools battle it out many of whom will be fairly local. LSU (Louisiana State) are many people’s favourites to lift the major honours of the weekend.
Canada’s Calgary Stampede Sevens is another huge North American tournament set to take place this weekend a now integral and regular part the overall Festival which is recognised as one of the biggest Rodeo’s in the world.
Over the Atlantic the UK plays host to two more quality tournaments.

The Slough Sevens is a big social weekender in the heart of Berkshire with 20 teams taking part for 240 expected players. The tournament which is heavily influenced by former England Prop Paul Rendell, now the Slough Rugby Coach. Olaf Axes are a team enjoying a productive season and will be difficult to dismantle here. The Stump 7s is another big weekend tournament in the East Midlands.

After an enjoying a successful inaugural year in 2008, the tournament is now bigger (24 teams) and has attracted some quality teams this time out. A Ladies Section has been added as well as an indoor Social Netball competition. With an emphasis largely on the social aspects of a sevens tournament, strong sides such as Ronin Impact and Kukri Spartans will be stepping out at Boston Rugby Club’s multi million pound sports arena, some of the best facilities in the region.

The Pamplona Sevens is one the main tournaments to take place in Continental Europe this year once again running alongside the world famous San Fermin Festival with thousands converging on Navarre to enjoy the borders, bullfighting, music rocks, wine, and in short, the party. Another tournament to have enjoyed a successful 2008, the organisers are hopeful for another good showing in 2009 with a good mix of teams from all over the World. Teams such as La Plata Rugby Club (Argentina), Gentlemen of Ellon (Scotland) Pillars of Hercules (Gibraltar), and La Plata Rugby Club (Madrid) have all confirmed for the 4th edition of the tournament.