The Middlesex 7s take place on Wednesday as the 7s season starts to pick up after a disturbed start to the season as a result of the various storms.

Sixteen teams will gather at St Benedict’s School in Ealing, split into four groups of four teams each. The winners of each group will progress to the Cup semi finals, second place to the Plate semis, third to the Shield, and fourth to the Bowl, meaning each side will play either four or five games.

Hampton are the reigning champions after a close 19-17 victory in the Cup final over Harrow last year. Those two have in fact won the last three editions of the tournament with Hampton winning in 2019 and 2017, and Harrow winning in 2015, 2018 and 2016 sadly fell foul of weather conditions.

Hampton’s title defence is already off to a good start, last week they won their home tournament, beating Cranleigh in the final. At the Middlesex 7s they have a tough Group C draw though, alongside them are the side they beat in the 2017 final, Henley College and Windsor Boys, who lost in the Shield final last year. Completing the group are Gordon’s, who showed good early season form to reach the Seaford 7s final and will be hoping for more of the same here.

Harrow meanwhile are in Group B where last year’s Shield champions, Henley College, are among their competition. Also lining up in the group are Skinners’ and last year’s Bowl runners up, Emanuel, in what should be a competitive group.

Hosts St Benedict’s reside in Group A. St Benedict’s won the Plate last year but will be hoping for one better this year. Their competition in Group A is tricky but they will fancy their chances, Weston College, The Oratory, and last year’s Plate champions at the Edwin Doran Surrey Schools Senior 7s, RGS Guildford, are their competition.

Group D contains last year’s Bowl winners, University College School. Alongside them are one of the top AASE sides, Beechen Cliff, as well as the ultra competitive John Fisher and London Oratory.

Overall it should be a top competition, and a much needed first outing for a number of those competing.

Middlesex 7s Groups: