With the second quarter of 2010 well under way, our attentions turn towards the Northern Hemisphere for a taster of the world’s best sevens in the second edition of these blogs, check out my first here.

Apologies to UR7s readers for the delay in getting this to you by the way. A combination of volcanic ash, PC issues, and things best not repeated on UR7s have kept me off the scene for a while.

With some of the oldest, biggest and best tournaments in the world taking place in Europe over the coming months, there is certainly not a shortage of skin-tight kits to be watching. I have tried, as did I earlier in the year, to find a mix between the glamorous and the honest. Included are tournaments that I have attended, am planning to return to, or would dearly love to witness again.

I cannot ignore the two elephants in the room. These include the IRB Sevens World Series, which comes to its conclusion in the London and Edinburgh in May, and also the inaugural National Sevens Series, which is also in the UK.

There are plenty of others to, so find some budget airline flights and get to the sevens!

APRIL

Melrose Sevens, Scotland (April 10)

Did any of you make it to Melrose couple of weeks ago? Along with to Hong Kong it is one of those tournaments that all Sevens fans should make their way to at some point.

Of course as we all should know Greenyards is the birthplace of Sevens, hosting the first ever tournament of its kind in 1883!

There is a genuine feel of history and tradition as you would expect, with great hospitality shown by the locals to go alongside the cracking rugby. The traditional Scottish powers and regulars on the Kings of Sevens circuit take on invited teams from around the world and this year was no different. South Africa’s Hamilton (itself the oldest rugby club in SA) pipped last year’s victors the University of Johannesburg to take the prestigious title.

The IRB event at Murrayfield could learn from Melrose. If they could find some way to co-promote, you never know there might be more than 10 people in Edinburgh for the final leg of the World Series.

Stanislas Sevens, Nancy, France (3-4 April)

This was the second year this event has run and it continues to impress. French Universities may have won it gave sides like Poland, Morocco, Belgium and Algeria all gained valuable tournament time ahead of the FIRA campaign.

The host town of Nancy can be found in North East France and is delightful. The square and Hotel de Ville are spectacular and offer all the grandeur of the more rugby famed squares of Toulouse and Biarritz.

The tournament patron is France star Morgan Parra who, alongside many of his rugby friends, is always at the tournament. Unlike other places in France, the local community buy into the idea of sevens, in what is traditionally a non-rugby area. A hidden gem that can grow and grow.

Notable Mentions:

Sunshine Sevens, East Grinstead (23-25 April) - This is the tournament for me that says 'the sevens season is here' in the UK. Primary Schools play on the Friday, the ladies have an event on the Saturday, and the main men’s event on the Sunday. A real good mix of club and invitational teams do battle. The tournament also makes some great money for charity, last year they donated a mini bus! Prize-money is a new aspect for this year too.

MAY

Amsterdam Sevens (22-23 May)

Ok this is a predictable choice. But is there an argument against inclusion? I don’t think so. This is arguably the most famous invitational sevens tourney in Europe.

The tournament is full before the turn of the year and incorporates the most eclectic mix of Sevens you can imagine. There is the cream of the crop including Samurai, Wailers, Marauders, Pups who are supplemented by such sides as Germany, Holland, Yugg (Russia).

Then you have the likes of Old Millfieldians, International Marauders, Susies Saloon and of course sides such as Leggys Legends!

Last year I was privileged to watch a team of Sevens front-rowers, many with international honours, take on a Chris Ashton inspired Samurai International, only in Amsterdam! On day 2, the big sides are drawn with one another and the real rugby begins but the hunt for tries on day 1 against the weaker sides is taken with great humour. Then there is the backdrop of the Amsterdam nightlife itself... well that's for another day.

IRB London Sevens (22-23 May)

Last year’s final is still so fresh in my mind. With hosts England down by three tries, they roared back and stole a dramatic win in extra-time. Rugby ‘HQ’ was rocking that day that is for sure.

Last year was blessed with amazing weather and a decent turnout. Some could say it was a one-off but given all the RFU have been doing on the marketing front so far this year, I am thinking we are going to see a repeat in 2010 as the world’s best head to West London.

The RFU have set themselves an ambitious target of 100,000 people across the weekend and are looking to break the World Record for most Superheroes in one place at the same time. I personally will not be partaking but certainly a lot of fun to watch! With the thousands of Kenyans in support mixed with many Southern Hemisphere’s fans there is a real cosmopolitan mix and it only cost £10 to get in.

I have always liked London Sevens ever since I sat in the Samoan team box in 2005 and am certain the event is still on an upwards trajectory.

Notable Mentions:

Bournemouth Sevens (28-30 May)  - Always a cracker at Bournemouth, if not for the rugby itself but for the event surrounding it. Well worth a day out but it's pricey.

Bury St Edmunds (9 May) - Organised by the same guys who run the world's most established invitational team, Samurai. A real quality Sevens, featuring International teams and possibly a number of the competing National Series teams.

Rosslyn Park Floodlit Sevens (6 May) - A chance to watch some of the London based Premiership teams take on the likes England, Loughborough University, and the Army at the same time.

JUNE

Safari Sevens, Ngong Road, Nairobi (4-6 June)

I think we all know by now that the Kenyan fans are some of the most adoring in the world. They idolise Kayange and Injera et al and make more noise than most when outnumbered around the world on the IRB Sevens. Can you imagine the noise on home turf as the beloved 'Shujaa' take to the field? This tournament is about the experience of Sevens in a less traditional setting.

You genuinely get the Safari vibe when traveling to the venue on what feels like the worst roads in the world. But once you arrive at the tournament you are blown away by the knowledge and love the supporters have for rugby sevens. With sides from all over the world coming to try and wrestle the crown from the home team we are bound once again to see a special weekend of rugby.

Rugby Rocks, Richmond (12 June)

Now I am told by the guys at UR7s that this is the tournament to be at this summer. The National Series in the UK is kicking off alongside a number of other participation level tournaments. Following on from ideas such as F1 Rocks and Party in the Paddock, the supporters and players can party the night away with Feeder being the headline act.

The National Series is going to be a real turning point for sevens in the UK with their being a real emphasis on the quality of rugby not seen in England before. Some of the names/teams that have been thrown around would lead me to believe that outside of the IRB series there will be no better rugby to watch this summer. There are plenty of tournaments at the Richmond Athletic Ground but surely this is the one that is not to be missed.

Notable mentions:

West Country 7s - 19 June (Formerly Bath Charity Sevens) -  If Rugby Rocks is the Hong Kong of the National Series then the 2nd leg of the series at Keynsham RFC is definitely the Wellington of the Series, the organisers have been working hard and this is shaping up to be quite the event.

Roma Sevens (4-6 June) -  It might not be the best tournament to play in, due to the fact it finishes around 1am, but oh what a party and when the Italian catwalk models come out...it is certainly one for the lads!