The National School Sevens in England is one of the biggest rugby tournaments in the world with 570 teams from over 300 schools represented. It is a big day for the Irish Exiles as it represents a key recruitment date in their calendar.
The National School Sevens in England took place on Wimbledon Common and Rosslyn Park recently. There were 365 schools with 570 teams representing age grade rugby from Under-13s, Under-16s and Under-18s.
This is one of the biggest age grade tournaments in English and world rugby and it represents a perfect opportunity for the Irish Exiles to talk to youngsters who may qualify to play for Ireland.
The Exiles had an information stand on site for the five days of the tournament, ably manned by amongst others John Lacey, a Rugby Development Officer from Munster, Wayne Mitchell, a Rugby Development Officer from Leinster, and John Hunter of the Irish Exiles.
In addition to the annual Exiles screening camp, the NS7s represents one of the best recruiting grounds for the Exiles.
The Exiles have proved hugely successful at identifying young players who qualify for Ireland with the likes of the recently retired Simon Easterby and brother Guy being just two.
A glance at the teamsheets for the Ireland Under-18 Clubs and Ireland Under-20s will also show that the work of the Exiles is paying dividends with players of the calibre of the Ruddock Brothers – Ciaran and Rhys – lining out for the U-20s this season.
For more information on the Irish Exiles, click here.
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