The 2021 Rosslyn Park HSBC National School 7s has been cancelled as covid rips through plans for the second year running.
Following 2020’s cancellation, the 2021 tournament had been postponed until the summer, where a range of proposals were up for discussion, however those proposals have proved unfeasible too, leaving last week’s Rosslyn Park HSBC Virtual 7s in association with NextGenXV as the only Rosslyn Park 7s action for a generation of leavers.
In a statement the Rosslyn Park HSBC National School 7s organisers said:
“Although the news will not come as a surprise to many, please be assured that we have done our utmost to stage a tournament. Also, we want to thank you for all the wonderful and kind messages of support over the last year.”
“We are most disappointed for the participants who will now have missed two years of the annual event. May we just say to those school leavers that we wish you well in your future rugby and sporting endeavours.”
“Our close liaison with England Rugby Football Schools Union and the RFU in the last 6 months has been very positive. Their guidance has helped us ensure we maintain alignment with the school sector and wider game. All three organisations look forward to continuing this partnership and we are grateful to PADSIS, HMC, IAPS, and individual school, who have also provided a great sounding board for us.”
The news will come as a surprise to few, such has been the last 12 months, and indeed anyone trying to hold a fixture – let alone a mass participation tournament – as rugby opens up will know just how much of a challenge it is.
For schools the good news is that entry fees can either be rolled over to 2022 or refunded, if rolling over to 2022 schools will still need to register for the 2022 event, though – registration opens on 19th April.
For those looking ahead to brighter times, the tournament dates for the 2022 Rosslyn Park HSBC National School 7s are Monday 28th March to Friday 1st April.
