Upon my return from the third and fourth rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series in Wellington and Las Vegas, I’ve been busy defending myself from friends of mine.

Apparently the weather here as been pretty special in my absence and I’ve noticed some resentment and bitterness that I've been ‘sunning myself’ and jetsetting while they are stuck behind a spreadsheet next to a bald 45 year-old jobsworth.

Well FYI my time is actually pretty tight and busy when I’m abroad reporting for Ultimate Rugby Sevens so I thought I would give you a behind the scenes look at what goes on - just the work stuff anyway.

I promised myself I would give the UR7s readers a break from my verbal diarrea and take you through this blog with some pictures to give you an illustration on what goes on tour.

As much as my colleagues back in England would like to think i’m not up to much the build up to a tournament is a fairly hectic experience as I’m cramming interviews in at the players hotel and doing some research of course for my Live Text. Throw together all the 'networking' I attempt to do and reporting from the actual tournament, it doesn’t leave too much time for mojitos around the pool.

Two nice pre-tournament touches in both Wellington and Vegas was the Parades/Opening Ceremonies. 
 

Support for Nieu on Wellington's Streets

England's Ben Gollings plays prankster in Wellington

IRB cameraman, Tim, keeping busy at Vegas' Opening Ceremony

The Walk to the Stadium in Wellington. Ripper.

Once the tournament starts itas a busy time as i've got cover most of the 44 games over the weekend. I often have to rely on the TV replays in the press centre if i've missed a score etc.

The written press are often put near the TV guys which means often seeing TV Commentator and UR7s coloumnist Nigel Starmer-Smith around the joint. It can ba long weekend but let's be honest as the photos below will confirm I have the best view in the house. 

View from the Wellington Press Box

Starmers doing his research - doesn't miss a trick that man

Commentators Keith Quinn and Willie Lose do their magic

Special guests at Wellington. UR7s blogger Nick Jordan sits behind

Posing at Vegas's awesome Sam Boyd Stadium - Home of UNLV Football

UR7s Blogger/Former Eagle Dallen Standford & our own Barney

Hope that gives you a flavour of what went on throughout the two weeks. Just to prove to a few people that I do actually do some work. Other memories? The mass pitch invasion by the Samoan fans after their win in Vegas was a scene that will stick in the memory banks.

As will the look on our marketing man Barney's face upon realising that the Hooters stand was right next to the UR7s area at the fan festival in the USA. Both are pictured below.

As much as there is a relief once the tournaments are over, soon after I can't wait to get on the road again. Next stop? Its the fifth and sixth legs in Adelaide and the big one in Hong Kong....For Everything Sevens!