On Wednesday Haberdashers’ Elstree host their annual senior 7s, the highlight of the week that also includes several age-grade competitions.

The tournament first began in 2022, and it has grown and grown ever since, beginning with eight teams in that initial season, increasing to ten teams last year, and now increasing to twelve teams this year.

This year Wellington College, Brighton College’s 2^nd VII, and two Haileybury VIIs join the fray, with last year’s runners-up Stowe unfortunately unable to attend, alongside Bishop’s Stortford High School.

That leaves six of the eight founders still involves, Brentwood, Mill Hill, St Albans, Campion, Hurstpierpoint College, and the hosts, Haberdashers’ Elstree.

The twelve sides are divided into three pools of four teams each. Group A includes Brentwood, who won the New Hall 7s over the weekend and who have reached the semi finals on every occasion at the Habs’ Elstree 7s. Alongside them are two newcomers in the form of Haileybury and the Brighton College 2^nd VII, as well as the superb Mill Hill.

Over in Group B are last year’s other semi finalists, Hurstpierpoint College, who won the tournament in 2022 and will have ambitions of a similar run this year. Joining them are two stalwarts of the competition, Campion and a St Albans side that could be outstanding, as well as schools rugby heavyweight Wellington College, playing in this tournament for the first time.

Group C meanwhile contains last year’s champions, St Paul’s, who would love to go back to back. Alongside them are London Oratory, who joined the tournament last year, and another of this year’s new entrants, Haileybury 2^nds. The pool is completed by the hosts, Haberdashers’ Elstree, who will be itching to make a big impact.

It should be a cracking tournament, and a great 7s opportunity for many of these sides before they pack away for half term.

Haberdashers’ Elstree 7s Draw