The first ever London International 7s event took place at Wimbledon’s Plough Lane last month.
Eight men’s and four women’s teams took part in the all-day event on the 25th of May, representing Fiji, New Zealand, Netherlands and Jamaica.
The men’s competition was won by Shogun Rugby representing the UK who defeated Ireland’s Ramblin Jesters 31-14 in the final.
Hammerhead Women, representing Great Britain, beat the Africa Lionesses 24-17 to claim the women’s title with both teams praising the atmosphere of the crowd.
Shogun skipper James Murphy said: “It has really been incredible to be out here, the atmosphere was awesome, it was epic to be out here.”
On the standard of the tournament, he added: “It was fantastic, you play against quality players, quality teams, it is the only way that people get tested.
“The tournament gave us opportunities to show younger guys who I can definitely see as future representatives of GB, Jamaica, maybe Fiji as well, there were a lot of good youngsters in this tournament.”
Hammerhead Women Co-Captain Kiera Deeks said: “It was absolutely unbelievable to win.”
She added: “The atmosphere has been buzzing particularly in the bottom stand and on the pitch, the rugby has been really good.”
London International 7s Founder Ellaine Gelman said: “It couldn’t have been better for us, the weather was great, the crowd was amazing dressed up in all different types of outfits and most important of all, the standard of rugby was fantastic.”
The event had previously been part of the HSBC 7 Series since 2012 at Twickenham and was often the last stop on a 11-stop tour but the series was reduced to eight stops for 2024 and London wasn’t selected.
Gelman said trying to find a stadium comes with its small difficulties which included a seven-month process to get approval from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and World Rugby but said that the event went particularly well.
She added: “We hope it won’t be the last and hopefully you will see us back here next year!”
Both tournaments began with a pool stage in which the men’s competition was split into two pools of four whereas the women’s tournament was a single pool competition.
After the completion of the pool stage the top two in both men’s pools would enter a knockout stage for the cup whereas the top two in the women’s pool advanced into the women’s final.
The third and fourth placed teams in both men’s pools would enter a mini tournament for the plate which was won by the New Zealand Team Find Rugby Now.
The third and fourth placed teams in the women’s pool would face each other for the wooden spoon.
Former All-Black, Worchester Warriors and Sale Sharks centre Sam Tuitupou said: “It has been brilliant, sevens is a good game to play in but it is massive to have it here in London and it has been a great place to come and play with such a great atmosphere from the fans.”
When asked if the event should come back next year, he said: “For sure – the people behind the scenes have worked so hard to get this event up and running so all credit to them.
“We know what London brings and this is a good places to have some sevens in so hopefully we can make this an annual thing.”
Between matches there were fan zone events as well as performances from Britain’s Got Talent Group IMD Legion.
IMD Legion chorographer Omar said that the dance crew really enjoyed being part of the event, commenting on how much they enjoyed the atmosphere of the crowd and the food provided to them at the event.
He added: “Some of them have even gained a new love for rugby.”
For more information in relation to IMD Legion, go to their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/imdlegionofficial/
For more information about the event: visit https://www.lit7s.com/
Featured Image Credit: London International 7s Tournament Series
