So here we have it. The official UR7s European Season Awards. It's been a tough call on so many of the different awards on what was a massive season for the sport.

Plenty of discussion for you to interact on here; who have we missed out on? Who doesn't deserve their award? Are we talking garbage? Comment below and have your say! Enjoy reflecting back on it all folks...

 

UR7s Elite Team of the Year – Samurai International

Deserved winners of the Elite Team of the Year award and a semi-final in Darwin got the season off to a good start for Terry Sands’ side. Samurai International by name, international by nature, they went on to secure their fifth straight Amsterdam Sevens title, before heading off to the Safari Sevens. They were overturned eventually by Kenya in the semi-finals, with Collins Injera putting them to the sword but an inaugural Manchester title helped lick the wounds.

Injera obviously did something right as he got the call to perform for Samurai at the Middlesex Sevens, accompanied by his countryman Humphrey Kayange. Coached by Mike Friday and Joe Lydon, Samurai were eventually halted by London Irish in the final, their first appearance at Middlesex since 2000. Not a bad season eh?!

 

UR7s Tournament of the Year - IRB London Sevens, Twickenham

Toughie this one because there have been some sensational Sevens tournaments throughout Europe. Few can genuinely argue with the London leg of the IRB Sevens though. Stunning weather, record crowds at HQ, awesome fancy-dress and a sensational final gave this one the edge.

Hosts England came up against a hungry resurgent New Zealand in a remarkable finale and it was the Kiwis racing into a 19-0 only for England to claw it back thanks to Mickey Young’s Golden Try winner delighting the 40,000 spectators. Special mention to Kinsale who once again ran a cracking weekend.

UR7s Recommended ‘Tournament Experience’ - Amsterdam Sevens

If there is one tournament that every Sevens player in Europe should still head to it is good ole Amsterdam Sevens! Yes it’s an oldie but fundamentally a goodie. For a side wanting the overseas travelling tour experience, it’s pretty hard to beat. Uniquely the Men’s competition sees everyone compete in the same tournament on day one, before the serious stuff kicks off on the Sunday.

With a very high standard Women’s competition and Veterans Sevens it ticks a lot of boxes. Of course the rampaging nightlife with the infamous ‘Susies Saloon Bar’ still providing the laughs, Snakebite & Blackcurrant cordial, and Jagerbombs in teacups. Happy daus indeed. Special mention to Bournemouth too for creating another memorable weekend!

UR7s - All Star 7

1. Mark Lee – Army                                                                                                      Former Scottish Sevens skipper is now the inspirational captain of the British Army. Leading by the front for the majority of this season he has been crucial in their big wins at Newquay, Bath, and Worthing. Tireless in attack and defence with some subtle touches of skill backed by a wealth of experience providing the perfect blend of ingredients.

2. Jake Abbot - Samurai International/Barracudas
Fantastic performance of physicality and speed for the Barracudas at Bournemouth, then he made a great impact for the Samurai at the Safari Sevens. His performances this summer have resulted in him getting the call from England Sevens for this coming IRB Season.

3. Craig Hill - White Hart Marauders/Akuma Smurfs
Ok so he won the World Cup with Wales this season, but he has lived up to the hype. Part of Smurfs’ side that were finalists at Church Sevens and then played an integral role in getting the WHM to the final in Manchester with another reputable showing at Twickenham for the Middlesex Sevens. Craig is dominant on the ball, stealing opposition possession and winning penalties from the ground, with a great engine to match.

4. Chad Shepard - Samurai International/Saracens/Roma 7/ Samurai Barracudas
It’s been a busy summer for Chad, who has been in New Zealand’s extended squad in the past. His experience really showed this summer. Not only did he play a big part for Samurai in their win at Manchester, but also influenced the Roma Sevens side who won the Roma 7 in June. Chad has all the skills and possesses that rare gift of seemingly having more time on the ball than others. If he is still in Europe next summer watch out for him.
Special Mention to James Donavon (Scorpions)

5. James Tirrell - Olorun Sharks/Barracudas/Saracens / Samurai International/Apache
Another busy campaigner this summer, James has popped up all over Europe and every tournament has felt his impact. Showed real poise in a talented Saracens side at Twickenham and it was obvious his experiences throughout the summer for the Samurai sides and Olorun were beneficial. Can expect plenty of phone calls from Sevens managers in coming season. Special Mentions to Matt Vaughn (Gilbert Stoned Pups) and Howard Graham (WHM).

6. Matt Turner - Samurai International 
What a summer for Turner! Not only did he help Samurai win in Amsterdam but he then pops home for a couple of weeks to South Africa where he gets asked whether he fancies a game for his local side the Southern Kings against the British Lions. Yes please! Highly rated by coaches and managers this summer and the real hot property on the circuit that has seen him called into the England Sevens set-up.
Special mention to The Jarvis brothers (Scorpions & White Hart Marauders) Sandy Reid (Apache, Cambridge Uni, Jedi)

7. James Greenwood - Apache, Jedi, Cambridge University.
James finished his season playing for Old Blue in the US Nationals but it started with some fantastic rugby for Apache and Cambridge University at Rosslyn Park, Sunshine and Bury. England boss Ben Ryan has taken note. James can play at either centre or wing and is a prolific scorer, diving over the line for fun all over the world this summer.........from Bury to Vegas!

Special Mention - Christian Wade (London Wasps & Samurai International), Tyson Lewis (Kooga Wailers), Ifan Evans (WHM & Akuma Scorpions),

 

 

 

UR7s New Tournament of the Year – Ruck Over Rugby 7s, Brighton

A great job done by Kevin Betts and his team on their inaugural weekend out. Good mix of Rugby standards compiled with a great social life. All teams well looked after, a tournament that offered the traditional values; quality rugby with a good blend of standards and the awesome lights of Brighton when the final whistle blows. Loads of £££ raised for charity thanks to all the volunteers with Fijian guests, Uprising Beach Resort, taking the major honours ahead of their trip to Rome. Special mentions to Bury St Edmunds and Manchester too.

 

UR7s Member Awards by Poll

Member’s Elite Team of the Year – White Hart Marauders

The world famous Marauders are an interesting choice by our loyal members, but struck a resounding victory in the polls. Arguably one of the most consistent sides around, they have been there or there about almost everywhere they travel. The bridesmaid on a fair few occasions, notably in Manchester and Newquay, but Kinsale continues to be a happy hunting ground for them where they were thoroughly deserved winners. This season also saw them enjoy a big day out at Twickenham debuting at the Middlesex Sevens.

Member’s Open Team of the Year - Kamikaze

Really kicked on from last season and have been ultra busy putting some serious mileage in around the country. Whether your tournament is big or small it doesn’t matter for these boys who just love their Sevens. Opened the season 4 – 0, hoovering up the silverware at some early tournaments. But it was their wins at Winchester and Canterbury that were arguably the most impressive. They will be a real force next season but can they make that difficult step up?

Member’s Social Team of the Year - Harpenden Praetorians
The Praetorians deservedly took this award embracing social hi-jinks, Moët fuelled open rugby, all with a big smile on their faces. Check out their cracking end of term self- appraisal.
With IRB players such as Jonny Macdonald (thoroughly nice bloke) they were bound to make their force felt, and were deserved winners of the Sunday Cup in Newquay, despite the excesses of Saturday night.

UR7s Funniest Moment

Seeing the UR7s speed cage comically almost blow away in farcical monsoon conditions wasn’t in the script at the supposed Summer Newquay Surf Sevens. But the sight of a chap dressed in banana suit propose to his girlfriend (dressed as Alice in Wonderland) in front of 40,000 on the big screen at Middlesex Sevens was priceless. As was the reaction and amusement it caused from his 30 other mates in the South Stand also dressed as bananas. Lovely.

Best Stash - Mucche Pazze at Bath

Skin tight ‘cow’ stash makes these passionate Italians stand out from the pouncing posers seen all across Europe this summer.