Premiership Rugby 7s series can be ideal preparation for 2016 Olympic Games ...

“The only thing that is the same in the game of sevens since I played in

the 1993 Rugby World Cup sevens is that there are seven players on the

pitch. It is a much more dynamic and explosive game and one you are far

better off watching than playing.

“I have always been a fan of sevens, particularly in the early stages of your

career as it is a real development game and it is really growing across the

world.”

To mark the countdown to the Premiership Rugby 7s series a giant orange seven

measuring 23 metres in width by 49 metres in length was unveiled at

Gloucester’s Kingsholm stadium on Thursday, exactly seven days before the

tournament begins.

With all 12 Premiership clubs split across three regional rounds, the opening

group of the tournament sees Gloucester, Bath, Exeter Chiefs and Worcester

Warriors battling it out on Thursday Aug 1 for a place in the series final

at the Rec on Friday Aug 9.

The series then moves to Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens on the evening of

Friday Aug 2 for group B which is made up of Northampton Saints, Leicester

Tigers, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks.

Completing the group stages on Saturday Aug 3 at Saracens’ Allianz Park;

Harlequins, holders London Irish and London Wasps will take on the hosts for

a place in the Final.

Gloucester fans packing out Kingsholm next Thursday will be hoping to see

their side emerge victorious after losing last year’s final 31-28 to London

Irish. Jonny May sat out that defeat through injury but is chomping at the

bit to make amends 12 months on.

“I really want to play, I think all those that took part last season want to

go again,” May said.

“Those that didn’t play felt they missed out, and I was gutted to miss out in

the final at The Rec with a dead leg. But it was a perfect night in the

group stages at Kingsholm, we won three from three and a bit of revenge

would be nice this time around if we get to another final.”

The JP Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s starts on Aug 1st at Gloucester with

rounds at Franklin’s Gardens, Allianz Park with the final at The Rec, Bath.

For tickets and more information visit: www.jpmorgan7s.com

or follow @jpmorganrugby7s

Premiership Rugby 7s series can be ideal preparation for 2016 Olympic Games ...