European Trophy 7s series gets underway

Jade Konkel - likely to play a big part in Scotland's promotion campaign (Photo:Scrum Magazine)

Rebadged as the “European Trophy” and extended to a two-tournament series, the opening leg of Rugby Europe’s second tier Sevens tournament is played programme this weekend. As usual there is a lot at stake with the top two teams winning a chance to play in next season’s Grand Prix, while the bottom two face relegation to the third level of European rugby – now called the “Conference”.

The expansion of the second level competition from one to two tournaments met with a mixed reaction when it was announced by Rugby Europe last year. While overall a positive move as it that gives teams more international play – essential for those with ambitions to play at a higher level – and also means that the odd surprise result has less effect on the overall outcome, the extra travelling (and need to arrange time off work) involved in going to two tournaments close together will be a financial headache, especially for smaller unions.

The two promotion spots are likely to be a fight betweenScotland, GermanyandSweden.The first two were relegated last season and newly relegated teams have almost invariably been in the mix for places in the tournament final in previous years, while Sweden lost out to neighbours Finland one of the big shock results of last season.

Scotland will be without Steph Johnston, who will still be with the Great Britain squad while this series is being played, but will still have far more strength and experience than most of their opponents – although this is, at times, balanced by their opponents having greater experience of sevens. Germany will also be confident, despite the loss of the special semi-professional status some of the leading players had until last year. Both will be favourites, but Sweden's decision to concentrate on sevens at international level should be a benefit, and the semi-final stages promise some close battles.

However, most of the other teams in the field - includingPoland, Switzerland, Romania, Norway, Czech RepublicandHungary- have been busy in their preparations for this series, with appearances at early season tournaments in around Europe. There is very little to choose between these teams and with the example of Finland from last year they will all fancy their chances. A single win on day one is enough to keep a team in the running, and on day two anything is possible.

ForMoldovaand newly promotedDenmarkandIsraelthe main aim of the tournament will be survival. It is a while since Israel have competed at this level and, after a tough struggle to win promotion they will not want to go straight back down. Travel is a particular problem for the Israeli team, who are faced with longer journeys than most of their opponents, but they have begun to benefit from hosting touring teams ( including a recent tour featuring players from the English Premiership) which have been invaluable.

The second leg is only three weeks after the first tournament, in Estergom (Hungary) from 9-10 July

Pool A:

1.Scotland2.Switzerland3.Czech Republic4.Israel

Pool B

1.Germany2.Poland3.Norway4.Denmark

Pool C

1.Sweden2.Romania3.Hungary4.Moldova

Match schedule

Stream: TBC