Wednesday 16 June 2010

It’s only mid-June but that hasn’t stopped the interest surrounding the UK’s swansong to the 7’s circuit reaching a crescendo. The National Pub 7’s, held in Harpenden (Hertfordshire) has felt the force of the dramatic surge in interest in the game, with the tournament filling up rapidly. Last year’s champions Druid Saracens will be back to defend their crown, while the perennial 7’s giants White Hart Marauders will be out in full force to stop them. The White Hart Marauders last won the National Pub 7’s with the help of a certain England scrum half, that some 8 months later was playing in the Rugby World Cup Final in Paris:

(http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/rugby_union/article350307.ece).

Samurai Barracudas who cruelly lost out to Saracens in last year’s final will be back after confirming their entry to the tournament last month. It remains to be seen whether Akuma Scorpions or the RAP Spitfires have what it takes to bounce back from last year’s quarter final losses. Further down the 7’s radar, local side and UR7’s Social Team of the Year, Harpenden Praetorians will hope to bounce back from a disappointing defeat by Olaf’s Axes at Bournemouth 7’s. With the gauntlet thrown down to the south coast boys, it remains to be seen just how competitive the Plate competition will be this year. The Dubai 2009 and Benidorm Winners, Hollywood 7’s will be pea-cocking their way to the tournament. Other notable names will be Sons of Serevi as well as Apache; the former will be aiming for more than last year’s quarter final response.

Will the other “big guns” in Gilbert Stone Pups, St Mary’s Silverbacks, Kamikazee, Olorun Identity and the Akuma Smurfs have what it takes to challenge the champions’ elect?

Only time will tell...

Entry forms for the 2010 National Pub 7’s can be found at http://www.hrfc.com/sevens/sevens.php

Or by simply emailing sevens@hrfc.com. The tournament is currently just over 50% of its capacity.

All the best,

Harpenden’s 7’s Team

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