It might seem hard to believe with Christmas not even out of the way yet, but it is already time for heads and minds to start turning towards the 7s season.

The draw for the Shiplake 7s, which takes place on the 7^th February, was made on Friday. It will see twelve schools come together, with each side having a 50% chance of winning a trophy.

There are four groups of three, with the winners of each playing in the Cup semi finals. The winners of those semi finals meet in the Cup final, while the losers then meet in the Plate final. The same process in repeated for second place teams with the bowl and shield, and for third placed sides with the trophy and vase.

Group A sees hosts Shiplake joined by Caterham and Tonbridge, while in Group B Seaford College, Cheltenham College, and Hurstpierpoint College all meet.

Group C sees one of the top 15 a side teams, Bedford, joined by Oakham and Abindgon, and over in Group D Haileybury, Radley College, and Worth are all grouped together.

With the Shiplake 7s being one of the first of the season, it represents a good early chance to see how sides are shaping up as the journey to the Rosslyn Park 7s begins.