PPAUK
By Lucy Lomax
The Premiership Rugby Sevens is back for its fourth year and is shaping up to be better than ever.
For the first time in its history the four Welsh regions have their own group, joining the 12 Aviva Premiership teams in their fight to qualify for the final.
The tournament is the only event where you can watch these sides battle against one another in the sevens style of the game.
The series splits the 12 Aviva Premiership teams into three groups with a separate group for the four Welsh regions.
The first round of qualifying took place for the Welsh teams on Saturday 26th July at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park and further qualifying rounds are to be held at Kingsholm Stadium on 31st July, Franklin’s Gardens on 1st August and Kingston Park on 2nd August.
The top two teams from each group advance to the Series Final at The Stoop on Friday 8th August which promises to be an enthralling evening of rugby.
Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons became the first Welsh teams to qualify for the Series Final last weekend after beating Ospreys and Scarlets and drawing 19-19 against each other, with the Blues topping the group on bonus points.
This Thursday sees last year’s winners Gloucester host Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs and London Irish at Kingsholm Stadium with Harlequins in action on Friday at Franklin’s Gardens in a group containing Northampton Saints, Wasps and Saracens.
The last round of qualifying action takes place at Kingston Park on Saturday with Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers, London Welsh and Sale Sharks competing for the last two places in the final at The Stoop.
Next Friday will see the top eight teams fight to be crowned Premiership Rugby Sevens champions with the winners going on to play in the World Club sevens on 16th and 17th August at Twickenham Stadium.
Tickets are available from £5 for juniors and £10 for adults with this season’s Harlequins Members able to claim their free ticket through calling the ticket office.
To buy your ticket please click here or call 020 8410 6000.