LIT7s London 7s Showcases Elite-Level Rugby In 2024

LIT7s has announced the return of elite Rugby 7s to the UK with the launch of LIT7s London 7s on the 25th of May 2024 which will feature women’s and men’s teams.

Although we don’t usually cover non-Asian-related rugby news, we were lucky enough to catch up with LIT7s founder during the Hong Kong 7s week, Ellaine Gelman.

She said of the tournament, “Rugby 7s is such an exciting and action-packed sport. We are thrilled to be able to bring this event to London and are confident that we can put on an amazing experience for all – whether rugby enthusiasts, party-goers or families, everyone can have a great day out in the Bank Holiday sunshine!”

Gelman was part of Find Rugby Now as Director of Rugby as the side competed in the HKFC 10s 2024 women’s section, and told us she hoped to entice high-quality teams from Asia in the future to participate at the LIT7s.

The tournament will feature both national teams and elite-level teams across the men’s and women’s sections.

Mike Friday, Head Coach of USA 7s, said : “This will be a fantastic event and much needed in the 7s calendar in England with London 7s not taking place this year. It is a real opportunity for international teams to find valuable competition time for players in the lead up to the Paris Olympics.”

LIT7s London 7s

The LIT7s London 7s will be played at Red Cherry Records Stadium, home to AFC Wimbledon and the London Broncos, and aims to “showcase international and elite teams competing in both men’s and women’s 7s categories” – this will be the only opportunity to watch top-tier 7s rugby in the English capital in 2024 as the SVNS Series no longer stops in the UK.

The 2024 edition will include 12 teams (8 men’s and 4 women’s teams) who will compete for £10,000 of prize money!

LIT7s London 7s Teams 2024

Men’s – Teams – LIT7s London 7s

The men’s lineup will feature national representative sides from the USA, Ireland, Jamaica and Uganda taking on some of the best elite teams in the world, including; the British Army, Shoguns (formerly Samurai 7s), Africa Lions, and Rugby for Heroes representing Fiji. 

Shoguns (formerly Samurai 7s) will be representing the UK in the men’s section and will be coached by Gareth Barber (former HKCR and Fiji coach and now Fiji Consultant National Program Manager for 7s rugby).

Barber said, “London 7s represents the opportunity for Shogun Rugby to challenge ourselves against strong competition. Wanting to expose our players and staff to continual development opportunities and this is certainly one of those. Given the quality level, I am excited to see how we build towards the tournament and take on the challenge.”

• British Army (GB)
• USA (represented by NAV USA 7s Development)
• Uganda
• Rugby For Heroes (Fiji)*
• Ireland (represented by Ramblin Jesters)
• Shoguns (UK)
• Jamaica (represented by Jamaica UK Crocs)
• Africa (represented by Africa Lions)

Squad news will be released soon.

Women’s Teams – LIT7s London 7s

The women’s competition features Shogun (GB), Barbarians (represented by Find Rugby Now), Africa Lionesses, and the Hammerheads (representing GB).

• GB (represented by Hammerheads)
• Shogun Rugby (GB)
• Barbarians (represented by Find Rugby Now)
• Africa Lionesses

Former GB and Scotland 7s representative, Megan Gaffney, will be playing with Hammerheads, saying; “At Hammerheads we are always looking to play at a competitive level of rugby so being able to play against International teams & players is always something we look forward to at LIT7s London 7s.”

Gaffney added “The venue & level of expected spectators coming together in one place for this event is an exciting prospect, with one pitch all day it will be all eyes on the teams playing and I can’t wait to see how we all perform on the day. I think we will fare strongly against the competition, our aim this year is to continue on from the momentum we had in 2023 and to up it this year, so this is the level of competition we need to be testing ourselves against.

Find Rugby Now includes a diverse squad of players from Uganda, the Netherlands, Ireland, Fiji, Sweden, England etc and Coaches Tamara Taylor (former England RWC winner) and Ashley Williams. The side includes rising stars are Maya Sangala (Netherlands 15s) and Jordan Booth (Netherlands 7s & 15s), as well as experienced heads Charlotte Mudoola (Uganda 7s & 15s) and Jade Wong (Ireland 7s & 15s).

Africa Lionesses squad includes Makeda Lewis (Jamaica 7s), Lieve Stallman (Netherland 7s) and Holly McIntyre (Scotland 7s).

Rugby for Heroes – Official Charity Partner For LIT7s London 7s 2024

Rugby for Heroes, a charity dedicated to supporting the men and women of the armed forces during their transition into civilian life, is the charity partner of LIT7s London 7s 2024 and will also field a men’s team in the tournament coached by former England 7s and XVs player Tom Varndell.

Mike Tindall, former England Rugby International and Patron for Rugby for Heroes, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership; “Rugby for Heroes are incredibly excited to be the Official Charity of the LIT7s London 7s.

This is a great opportunity for our charity to reach a wider audience and spread our message to support men and women of our armed forces and their transition into civilian life. I believe LIT7s will shine a light on the unbelievable achievements these true heroes can accomplish.”

Tom Varndell, added his excitement: “I can’t wait to get involved with coaching the Rugby for Heroes team at the LIT7s London 7s. It’s going to be a great tournament to be a part of and I can’t wait to see what the team can do this season. It is great to be back into international 7’s again representing this fantastic charity team.”

LIT7s London 7s – Bringing The Party To London

LIT7s London 7s promises to be “the biggest party of the Summer, featuring special guest pitchside hosts, celebrity DJs, the ultimate party stand, and electrifying entertainment both on and off the pitch,” perfectly times during May Bank Holiday Weekend, May 25th, 2024.

• The after-party on-site will include live music from DJ James Haskell who recently performed at the Hong Kong Stadium.
• IMD Legion, who were featured on Britain’s Got Talent, will be performing.

The 2024 Fancy Dress theme is HEROES – in honour of the charity partner, Rugby for Heroes – come as a superhero, a firefighter, a soldier, a doctor or whomever you think is a HERO.

Fans can buy tickets via Ticketmaster, with matches planned to be streamed online.

Rugby 7s News 2024

• World Rugby Sevens Repechage 2024 Pools.
• Sir Gordon Tjietiens On Taking Chinese Women’s Sevens Rugby To The Next Level.
• HSBC SVNS Singapore 2024 – Guide To Singapore Rugby Festival 2024.
• SEA 7s 2024 Teams & Format Announced.