Winners: Saracens raise the trophy after victory at JP Morgan sevens 2010

By Charity Knight

Northern hemisphere rugby stops for no one as the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens Series continues into its second year.

Last year’s winners Saracens are looking to defend their title as all 12 AVIVA Premiership clubs will battle it out to reach the finals at the Twickenham Stoop on 5 August.

Tackle: Fred Burdon of Newcastle Falcons tackles Don Barrell of Saracens at the 2010 JP Morgan sevens series

The profile of sevens is increasing worldwide now it will be reintroduced to the Olympics at the 2016 Games in Rio, so the sides will be looking to attract new fans to the sport.

The tournament will be a great place to see the clubs new signings, giving them a real chance to shine.

Harlequins full-back Ollie Lindsay-Hague said: “Expect fast-paced games. We will always look to play quick taps and at a fast tempo which the teams won’t be able to live with and spectators will enjoy watching us with our talent and pace.”

Sevens team-mate Miles Mantella, added: “It [sevens] really helps with your development; it gets you playing in front of larger crowds and in more pressured situations which are more akin to playing in the Premiership. It is a real chance for you to show what you can do and gives the young boys an opportunity to perform.”

Wrapped up: Quins' Miles Mantella is tackled by Rob Vickerman of Newcastle

After the clubs are split into three groups for the tournament, the winner and runner-up of each regional event go through to the final. There will be six games played each evening, with each match consisting of two seven-minute halves with a two-minute break, ensuring a high-energy and high-scoring game. Events kick off on Fridays at 7.30pm.

Watch live from 7.15pm on ESPN.

Teams:

Group B, 22 July, Franklin Gardens, Northampton:

Gloucester

London Wasps

Northampton Saints

Saracens

Group C, 29 July, Edgeley Park, Sale:

Leicester Tigers

Newcastle Falcons

Sale Sharks

Worcester Warriors

Final, 5 August, The Stoop, Twickenham