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| 12 July 2004, 11:06 am |
| Return Of The Favourites At This Year'S London Pride Middlesex Sevens |
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Three of the four invitation sides who appeared at last year's London Pride Middlesex Sevens will return to the tournament once again this year with a popularity battle already waging between the traditional sevens favourites, the Army, and Loughborough University - the winners of the Middlesex Club Sevens. The other two sides will be last season's premiership side Rotherham Titans and London Welsh - who stepped in at the last minute last season when rugby league side St Helens were forced to withdraw.
Loughborough University has provided English rugby with a number of great players and coaches in recent years including Sir Clive Woodward, Andy Robinson and Ben Kay of Leicester Tigers and England. Loughborough students have been busy influencing the popularity poll on the official tournament website in recent weeks whilst the Army remain one of the crowd favourites wherever the play so both sides are geared up for a return to Twickenham.
The confirmation of the four invitation sides means the line up of all 16 teams playing in the world's most famous charity sevens event is now complete as they join the 12 Zurich Premiership clubs including premiership new boys Worcester Warriors.
The clubs have been busy over recent weeks securing a number of exciting summer signings and it is hoped that several of the big name players will be making their first appearance on the big stage at Twickenham on Saturday 14th August. Last year's winners Northampton Saints are keen to retain their title and will be bringing a strong side to Twickenham for the event.
Paul Larkin, Northampton Saints Sevens coach says the team are looking forward to returning to Twickenham, "We fully appreciate the challenge that the London Pride Middlesex Seven's represents and look forward to defending our title. With the successes that England had throughout the World Series the tournament at Twickenham is becoming more exciting as a spectacle. With the standards rising it looks like being a great tournament."
Tickets for the event, priced just £25 for adults and £12 for juniors, are selling fast and are on sale from Ticketmaster 0871 871 0777. More information about the event can be found on www.londonpridemiddlesex7s.com
The draw for the 2004 London Pride Middlesex Sevens will be announced at the tournament press launch on Friday 6th August. Details will be confirmed nearer the time.
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