Richmond Women are bidding to make history by becoming one of the first Women’s Premiership teams to compete in the Singha 7s Premiership Rugby Series Final.
For the first time ever, the Women’s Premiership 7s Final will take place before the men’ Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Final in front of thousands at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, the home of Wasps at 5.20pm on Sunday, 7 August.
Before Richmond Women can think about lifting the Singha 7s trophy in prestigious surroundings, they’ll have to navigate their way through the pool games that same morning at the nearby Broadstreet Rugby Club facilities, kindly donated by the RFU.
Richmond Women have been drawn in to a pool with Aylesford Bulls Ladies, Worcester Valkyries and DMP Sharks, and must finish in the top two to qualify for the final stages. They would then need to overcome their opponents in the semi-final – which could be any of Saracens Women, Lichfield Ladies, Wasps Ladies and Bristol Ladies – to make it to the Ricoh Arena in the evening.
Spencer Lochhead, Richmond Women’s coach, said:
“This event is a huge opportunity for the club as we have a competitive squad who all want to play against the best players in front of big crowds, and this competition gives us the chance to do that.
“We have produced some of the best 7s players in the country at Richmond – three of whom are currently in Rio ready to compete for Team GB. We’ve benefitted from the skills and experience of the likes of former England 7s player Abi Chamberlain, so we’ve built a solid sevens foundation heading into this tournament.
“We have a strong mix of experience and young players with a lot of pace who want to put themselves in contention for this season’s 15s squad, so this is a real opportunity for them to show what they’re made of at the highest level.
“To make it through to the final at the Ricoh would be incredible, and would be a great experience for all of the players.”
Dominic Hayes, Commercial Director at Premiership Rugby, added: “Having the Women’s Premiership 7s Final during the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Final is ground-breaking and will provide an exciting addition to the event.
“Sixteen England internationals have represented their clubs in the 7s, which is proof that these tournaments are a great opportunity for fans to see the next generation of superstars coming through from the men’s and women’s teams.
“These finals take place a day after the Olympic 7s kick off in Rio, so interest in the sport will be high and we are hoping for the biggest Singha 7s crowd yet at the Ricoh Arena.”
For tickets to the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series Final, please visit www.premiershiprugby.com/singha7stickets
