Exclusive: Bordeaux Begles to compete in London rugby sevens tournament
Investec Champions Cup winners Bordeaux Begles will send a team to the London City 7s in a major coup for the Square Mile tournament.
The showstopping French Top 14 outfit, who in May won their second consecutive European title, will participate in the second edition of the London sevens tournament, which takes place in September at the Honourable Artillery Company.
Last year’s event was won by London club Harlequins, who beat Saracens in the final, but this year will have an international flair with Bordeaux Begles joining the roster. The outfit – which features a range of domestic French and wider international stars – beat Leinster to lift their second European trophy two months ago.
The second edition of the tournament will be sponsored by City law firm Wedlake Bell with tickets available online.
Head coach and former French player Laurent Ferreres told City PM: “This demonstrates the evolution of the club, successful in all forms of rugby. We are delighted to compete with English clubs, with pride representing the colours of UBB.”
London City 7s signs Bordeaux
Added London City 7s founder Dan James, formerly of World Rugby: “I’m delighted to confirm the reigning kings of European rugby are coming to the Square Mile.
“Union Bordeaux Begles, back-to-back Champions Cup winners, will bring their sevens side to tackle their English counterparts — a side that featured global sevens superstar Marcos Moneta in a recent tournament.”
London used to stage a leg of the global World Rugby sevens tournament but a revamp saw the capital stripped of hosting rights despite 50,000 fans turning up annually to Allianz Stadium.
The subsequent void has been filled with a number of sevens tournaments, with the London City 7s aiming to mark its territory across the Square Mile.
The London City 7s will this year take place on 17 September with nine men’s and four women’s teams set to take part.