They are back. And they will be coming mob-handed. Plume of Feathers have been coming to the Amsterdam Sevens since 1979. They won the tournament in 1989. But they have not been since 2002. This year, on the back of Wales’ magnificent Grand Slam, they will be bringing almost 50 people and a strong side with players mainly from the Premier division of the Welsh League, most of them playing for West Wales most historical club Llanelli & Carmarthen Quins. They will be out-singing everyone else and will have their usual mascot, a real Welsh Miner, complete with real coal from the recently closed Tower Colliery. At least I hope that is who they are bringing. In their application they said they would be bringing a “fully dressed minor” which is something else completely. It’s great to see the Plume of Feathers boys back and they hope that this new generation of players will continue the tradition. I expect Silver Pier qualification with a good chance of a quarter final place.

Dambusters Reds

The Dambusters won the Heineken Boot on their first visit to the Heineken Amsterdam Sevens in 2006. Last year they made it into the Silver Pier but ran into Mel’s Exiles on Sunday morning, getting comprehensively beaten 35 – 7. The players are mostly from Essex to the north east of London where the ladies are famous for their wit and sophistication. Players are drawn from Essex League teams Uppminster and Harlow, National 3 side Southend and National 2 teams Barking and Blackheath. I expect them to make the Silver Pier but a quarterfinal place is probably beyond them. They tell me they also participated in the Harpenden 7s but didn’t say how they got on. I borrowed this natty logo from their web site www.dambustersrugby.co.uk.

Samurai Barracudas

This is an invitational side who play in Sevens tournaments to raise money for the SPIRE charity, a charity for rugby players who have been permanently injured playing the game. The team is also connected to the Samurai brand and I understand they may be a development side for possible future Samurai players. I would rate them as Silver Pier probables.

Czech Republic

This is the Czech national team. They will be using the competition to warm up for their summer international programme. They have been before but my records do not go back that far. My best guess is that they will qualify for the Silver Pier but will struggle to make the quarter finals.

AAC

Gumboots

A Scots invitational Sevens team with players from the Scottish Premiership who regularly play on the Scottish Sevens circuit. This will be their first venture outside Scotland and, as Amsterdam Sevens virgins, they will probably under-perform. They should qualify for the Silver Pier but will not make the quarter finals. If they really enjoy themselves on Friday night it might even be the Heineken Boot.

Le Comb

From the Paris suburb of Bagneux, Le Comb play in the national rugby division “Federal 3”. They have a famous rugby academy and many of their players will have graduated from this academy. They will also be bringing some players from neighbouring clubs. I expect them to be young and fast. I also expect the Amsterdam nightlife to take it’s toll. They might just make the Silver Pier.

Les cadets d'Berge

The bulk of the players play for Lormont in “Federal 2” of the French national league. Go to  http://rugby-lormont.info/ to find out more. Google Earth tells me it is on the northern edge of Bordeaux and I drove past it on vacation last year. They will be strengthened by players from another “Federal 2” team, Grace. I would rate them as Silver Pier certainties and quarter final possibles. However, French teams always under perform on my predictions.

Marauders

The Marauders have been coming for years and years and won the tournament in 1990, 1991 (with Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott and Peter Winterbottom) and 2000 but have not been for a couple of years, having left it to the Corso Marauders to carry the flag. I do not have any information about the make up of this new incarnation of the Marauders but they tell me they will be competitive. Lacking any better information I predict a Silver Pier qualification.

Plaisir

Plaisir play in the national third division and they are hoping to bring in a couple of “ringers” from the first or second division. Google Earth tells me they are from the west of Paris. Find out more at http://plaisir.rugbyclub.free.fr/ . They say they have only very fast players with quick hands, so I predict a Silver Pier qualification. They also claim that they “party well” so they may struggle to get to the quarter finals.

West Country Cavaliers

West Country Cavaliers was formed in 2007 by a number of ex-Bath Rugby Academy and Bath University players. They played 5 tournaments around the South West of England in 2007, winning 2. Many players play National League rugby and they hope to rope in a couple of Premiership players. A few of the players played with the Locals team last year. I expect a Silver Pier qualification.

Dukes

The Dukes are from ‘s Hertogenbosch (or Den Bosch to foreigners). They will be going for the quadruple in Amsterdam. They won the National League in the playoffs after finishing fourth in the league table, won the Cup, and, one week before the Amsterdam Sevens, they won the National 7-a-side tournament. Winning the Amsterdam Sevens would complete the set. A more realistic estimate is a possible Silver Pier qualification but it is unlikely they will make the quarter finals. This will continue the rising trend reflected in their Amsterdam Sevens performances. They made the Heineken Boot semi final in 2006 and to the Integer Plate final in 2005. Last year they made the Silver Pier but ran into Susies Saloon in the Sunday morning games, losing 40 – 5. 

Netherlands / Witte Raven

The Netherlands national side will be playing in the Amsterdam Sevens. It is currently unclear which name they will be using. It is some years since the national side played but we confidently expect Silver Pier qualification.

Probable Heineken Boot Qualifiers

Bahrain Vagabonds

Heineken Amsterdam Sevens regulars Bahrain Vagabonds are back again with a mixture of local Bahrain talent leavened with some ex-internationals and some future internationals from 6 countries and Super 16's teams. In 2006 they made a comeback after a couple of years away and made it to the Silver Pier. This is an improvement from their previous incarnations when glory hunting organisers Robert Moxon and Mike Burton focused on trying to win the Heineken Boot rather than get beaten up by the big boys in the Silver Pier. Now that the old men are playing in the Veterans 10s team their Sevens team performance has improved. I expect a Heineken Boot qualification, possibly even Silver Pier qualification.

Dambusters Blues

The Dambusters second team made their debut last year. They made it into the Silver Pier but lost out to Samurai 61 – 0 on Sunday morning. Not put off by that experience, they are back this year. I expect them to go into the Heineken Boot this year.

The 7 Sons of Serevi

Another invitational sevens team who play to raise money for charity. The players come from various London and North of England clubs. Previous experience includes running the London 10 kilometres race whilst passing a rugby ball down the line, with 10 press-ups for butter fingered players if they dropped the ball or passed forward. They are also running, cycling and rowing the distance between Cape Town and London. All to raise money for charities for disabled UK children and to build schools in Africa. Details of their charity work can be found on 7SoS.co.uk. Perhaps more relevant charity work for the form guide is that they reached the final of the Munich Oktoberfest tournament, losing to a British Army team with a strong Fijian content and reaching the quarterfinals of the Flanders Sevens. My best estimate is a Heineken Boot place. 

Central Vikings

Another team of kiwis living in the UK. Is there anyone left in New Zealand? How good will Central Vikings be? Most of the players have played a good level in New Zealand, Premiership and representative. But many of them are not playing regularly now. Also, this will be the first time they have played together. Organiser Luke Kershaw thinks they will be “Competitive”. I think the Heineken Boot will be their level. But they could surprise us.

Global Oysters

Global Oysters are mainly from Dutch Rugby Club Oisterwijk Oysters who play in the Dutch Premier Division. To qualify as a “foreign” team they have a number of “foreign” players. They have made it into the Silver Pier in the last two years but not progressed past the Sunday morning games. In 2007 they beat French Flair 56 – 0 but then lost to Corso Marauders 31 – 0. In 2004 and 2005 they qualified for the Heineken Boot, reached the semi-finals in both years. My best guess is a Heineken Boot qualification with a strong possibility of making the Silver Pier.

Scorpion

This team is made up of German emerging players and will be coached by Rainer Kumm, the German national sevens coach. They will be equipped by Scorpion Sports Germany, so, if you like their kit, you know where to go. I expect them to qualify for the Heineken Boot.

Speight’s - London New Zealand

London New Zealand was set up in 1926 so that New Zealanders in London would not have to play in the same team as the effete English. They do now have a few Brits, Aussies, and South Africans playing for them. Their first team play in London Division 3. They drink a lot of sponsor Speight’s Beer and they have the only hangi in London. Wikipedia tells me that a hangi is a Maori cooking pit where super-heated rocks are used to cook the food. They have been to the Amsterdam Sevens before so obviously drinking Heineken and eating chips and hamburgers is fine with them. You can find out more at www.lnzrugby.co.uk. Previous performances were to reach the Integer Plate in 2001, the Heineken Boot in 2004 and the Silver Pier in 2006. I expect them to be playing in the Heineken Boot.

Tatra Smichov

Tatra Smichov are from Prague and are the current champions of the Czech Republic at both 15-a-side and 7-a-side. You can find out more about Tatra Smichov on www.tatrasmichov.com. We are not sure about the level of Czech rugby but expect them to make it into the Heineken Boot. They could do better.

The Templars

The Templars have players from New Zealand, South Africa and England. They have played in the Dubai Sevens for the last 6 years and play all over the UK in tournaments. They also love to party. Based upon this limited information my best guess is a Heineken Boot place.

Wyvern Harlequins

This invitational sevens side with players from Wimbourne (English League South West 1) and Fordingbridge (Hampshire League 1) and Rosslyn Park. They play many domestic tournaments and for the last two years have played in the Dubai Sevens, reaching the semi-finals of the International Overseas tournament last year. They should make the Heineken Boot.

Catalonia

This is the national team of Catalonia (Catalunya). They have players playing in the top level of the Spanish competition. Their coach has played in the Amsterdam Sevens before for‘t Gooi Caledonians so should be able to warn his charges about the perils of Amsterdam. They should make the Heineken Boot and possibly the Silver Pier.

Ascrum

Ascrum, the Amsterdam Students club, get to play every year as we use some of their facilities. Recent form? Last year they won the Heineken Boot, beating fellow cloggier Hilversum 31 – 24 in the final. They made it to the Silver Pier in 2002 and 2006. In 2003 and 2005 they qualified for the Heineken Boot, getting to the semi-final in 2005. In 2004 they had to be content with Integer Plate qualification. This year I predict a Heineken Boot place.

Hilversum

Hilversum won the Heineken Boot in 2003; narrowly beating an injury ravaged Moldova TU 31-27 in the final and followed that up with three consecutive Silver Pier appearances in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Last year they were losing finalists in the Heineken Boot. I expect another Heineken Boot qualification for 2008.

‘t Gooi

From the middle of the Netherlands, ‘t Gooi have played in the Silver Pier for the last few years, sometimes with “foreign” strengthening in the guise of ‘t Gooi Caledonians and ‘t Gooi Exiles. Last year they lost out to hosts AAC on Sunday morning 22 – 15. It will either be another Silver Pier qualification or, more probably, a Heineken Boot qualification.

Castricum

Castricum is a small town, little more than a village, in North Holland, about 25 kilometers North West of Amsterdam, tucked behind the coastal dunes. For the last few years Castricum have dominated the rugby scene in the Netherlands. This year they must be sick of the sight of the Dukes from Den Bosch. Despite finishing top of the league table Castricum lost out to the Dukes in the two legged  semi-finals of the play-offs for the league title with the Dukes going on to win the title. They also lost out to the Dukes in the final of the National 7s tournament. A realistic estimate this year is a Heineken Boot place with a good chance of winning that trophy to at least have one trophy in their empty trophy cabinet this year.

Den Haag

Den Haag is one of the top teams in the Netherlands. They qualified for the Silver Pier in 2002 as Llionx Crusaders with some foreign reinforcements and in 2003 as Den Haag with their Dutch players. In 2004 they only qualified for the Integer Plate and lost out in the Sunday pool games to fellow Dutchmen Ascrum. In 2005 and 2006 they made it to the Heineken Boot, reaching the Final in 2005. Last year they lost out in the Heineken Boot to Hilversum. I predict another Heineken Boot qualification.

URC Roma

Unione Rugby Capitolina come from Rome and play in the Italian Series A. In 2004 they qualified for the Integer Plate, losing out in the Sunday Morning pool games to DIOK Barbarians of the Netherlands 36-7.  In 2005 they played in the Heineken Boot. In 2007 they also played in the Heineken Boot, narrowly losing out in the semi-final to Dutch team Hilversum 22 - 19. A Heineken Boot qualification is likely but they could do better, depending upon the strength of the squad they bring.

Probable Integer Plate Qualifiers

Speed

Obviously fellow Danish team Nanok told Speed how much fun it is at the Amsterdam Sevens and they made their first visit in 2007. They out-performed their fellow countrymen, Nanok and made it into the Heineken Boot. They even won their first game on Sunday morning, thrashing Aggiotaggio Boys of Italy 42 – 7. Even trying to explain this away by the fact that Italian sides on their first visit often have a problem with over indulgence in the evenings cannot take anything away from this great result. They did lose their second game to Hilversum 36 – 0. It would be a great performance to reach the Integer Plate this year but I expect them to do it. 

Grande Milano for Chicken

Chicken Milano are Amsterdam Sevens regulars. In 2002 they played in the Silver Pier. In 2004 and 2003 they played in the Heineken Boot. They played in the Integer Plate in 2006. It is unclear whether this steady decline was due to the competition getting stronger or Chicken Milano getting weaker. They reversed the trend last year, qualifying for the Silver Pier but their day was cut short before 10:30 on Sunday when Millfield Old Boys put 54 points past them. I expect an Integer Plate qualification this year but would not be surprised to see them in the Heineken Boot.

Gringalets

Gringalets come from Nanterre, near Paris. It is a young team who like to enjoy themselves. This is a bad sign for their performance as young teams on their first visit to Amsterdam as known to perform badly. Also, they play “folkloric” rugby. We have had “Folkloric” French rugby teams before and they will not be challenging for major honours. Opponents can do some background research by checking out their web site www.esnanterre-rugby.com. I expect them to make it to the Integer Plate.

Rugby Dubai

The team was put together by Dubai based Martin Southern and Matthew Brown to take part in the Dubai Sevens, where they made the semi-finals in the International Overseas section. The team is mainly made up of UK based players where Martin made use of his connections in the North West of England where he used to play for Orrell. They now have got a taste for it and will be taking part in more tournaments. Amsterdam is their first European entry. It is hard to judge how they will do on the basis of the information available but my best guess is that they will make the Integer Plate. They could do much better.

Amstelveen

This has been the worst year in Amstelveen’s history, with their first team having to pull out of the national league top division because injuries and defections meant their weakened team, a mixture of the old and inexperienced, was in danger of serious injury. Amstelveen will be looking to redeem their season with their Sevens team. Always renown for their three-quarters, Amstelveen have never missed a Heineken Amsterdam Sevens and in their glory days were often the best placed Dutch team. They come to the Amsterdam Sevens after reaching the semi-finals of the National Sevens, the week before the Amsterdam Sevens. In recent years they have been Plate qualifiers, getting to the semi-final in 2003 and winning the Integer Plate in 2006. They actually qualified for the Silver Pier last year but lost out to Backstabbers 39 – 0 on Sunday morning. I would estimate an Integer Plate qualification, possibly reaching the later stages.  

Watching on Sunday

CSR-Nanok

CSR-Nanok are Heineken Amsterdam Sevens regulars from Denmark. They usually lose all of their Saturday pool games and watch on Sunday. The exception to this was 2002 when, with a couple of “ringers” provided by fellow Dane Lars Bjerrehave of Susies Saloon fame, they reached the heady heights of the Silver Pier. However a mauling, including a broken leg, persuaded them to revert to their normal level in future. In 2006 they played in the Heineken Boot. In 2007 they played in the Integer Plate but the format last year meant everyone played on Sunday. It did not last long, they lost 35 – 0 to Cologne Crusaders in their first game on Sunday morning so could start watching by 11:00 on Sunday morning. Despite promising younger fitter players I expect our old friends to lose all games as usual. I hope they prove me wrong. Their website is www.csr-nanok.dk.

Betfair Cougars

I have not got a clue how these guys will perform. The team is made up predominantly of New Zealanders with a couple of South Africans. Sounds strong, but they play touch rugby – they won the Clapham Common Wednesday night touch rugby league. They are planning to toughen up the squad with a few players from our old friends from Harringey Rhinos who made the Silver Pier last year but usually make the Integer Plate or Heineken Boot. Will the kiwi and bokke genes prevail over the touch rugby experience? Are they trying to lull everyone into a sense of security? My best guess is that they will manage the Integer Plate at best but will probably be watching on Sunday.

Dental Killers

Great name, for this is a group of youngsters who have just finished teething and whose sponsor is a Dentist. This is a development side for very young and talented players from AAC and other clubs in the North of Holland. This is their first appearance, but they’re young, fast and eager to go. They are guys with a bite. Even though my best guess is that they will probably be watching on Sunday, they could surprise everyone and make it into the Integer Plate.

ESRC the Elephants

Every year we invite one Dutch side who would not normally qualify to play but are celebrating an anniversary. ESRC the Elephants are celebrating their 35^th anniversary. They are the University side from the University in Eindhoven. Many players discovered rugby at the club when they started at the University and many went on to play with other clubs after leaving University. The Elephants will be bringing back many of their old players to make as strong a team as possible. They are hoping to make it into the Integer Plate. I feel they may be watching on Sunday.

Illesheim Black‘n Blue

Regular visitors Illesheim Black ‘n Blues usually watch on Sunday. Last year, with a different structure, every team played on Sunday. Illesheim played in the Integer Plate and surprised everyone, including themselves, by progressing to the final, beating Dutch side Dwingeloo 29 – 26 and Jeddah 38 – 0 on the way. Local Dutch side Waterland spoiled the party by beating Illesheim 12 -0 in the final, the deciding move being a last minute break-away as Illesheim were pressing for an equalising try. With many players nation building Iraq and Afghanistan, the team will be supplemented by a few players from neighbouring German team Nuernberg Franconians. Organiser Dave M^cNaughton wants to go one better than last year and win the Integer Plate. My prediction is that he will be watching on Sunday. Find out more about Illesheim by visiting blacknbluerugby.com.

The Bowerman Boys

This team will mainly be made up of Nike employees from the Netherlands, the UK and as many other countries as they can get interested. There is a strong South African contingent. I am not sure they know what they are getting into. They might make the Integer Plate but will more likely be watching on Sunday

Potsdam

Potsdam play in the German second division. They have been to the Amsterdam Sevens before. In 2003 they did not manage to qualify for the Sunday tournaments. Potsdam is on the western edge of Berlin and is a student town. The team is mainly students, so they will be young and quick but will suffer from the Amsterdam nightlife. I expect them to be watching on Sunday but they might surprise us.

Würenlos

Würenlos is near Zurich. They play in National League C and will be playing in National League B next year. It appears their 7s team is better than their 15s team as they have come second in the national 7s tournament. Würenlos have never been to the Amsterdam Sevens before but our experience with Swiss teams is that they lose all of their games on Saturday and get to watch on Sunday, We do not see Würenlos breaking the mould but we hope they do.

Zarkava

Founded in 1932, Zarkava is the largest rugby club in Serbia with over 50 members. It is in Belgrade.  It will be their first visit to the Amsterdam Sevens. We are hoping the visa application goes smoothly.  Our best guess is that they will struggle on Saturday.

Chicken Rozzano

Milan’s finest will be enjoying the delights of Amsterdam and playing a little rugby. They could make the Integer Plate but I feel they are more likely to be watching on Saturday.

Dutch Students

There are several student teams in the Netherlands and they get the best student players together to form the Dutch Students team. They have qualified for the Integer Plate in their last two visits in 2004 and 2006. They reached the Silver Pier in 2007, losing out to Susies Exiles 50 – 0 on Sunday morning. They obviously had a good night out on Saturday night. If we can find a place for the Dutch Students we expect them to make the Integer Plate.

The Veterans 10s

Bahrain Vagabonds Golden Oldies
Bislunghi Milano
Corso Marauders Vets
Dutch Rugby Veterans
Los Papas
Millfield Old Boys Vets
Wooden Spoon
AAC
Die Bosbokken
Haarlem

Bahrain Vagabonds Golden Oldies

It was mainly so that we could carry on watching Robert Moxon and Mike Burton play that we introduced the Veterans 10s. That and the increase in bar takings. They are often supplemented by AAC players but will not be challenging for the Veterans title.

Bislunghi Milano

Founded in 2004, the players come mainly from the ASR Milano club. They applied to come in 2005 but had to pull out when their wives found out. This time they have arranged things well in advance and managed to placate the wives or kept it secret. They will be fun but I do not expect them to win the tournament. Many will be trying to relive their youth of 15 to 20 years ago when they played in the Amsterdam 7s. Fortunately we have excellent first aid provision at the tournament, including resuscitation equipment. Perhaps they can borrow the equipment for their evening activities.

Corso Marauders Vets

Corso Marauders Vets won the inaugural Amsterdam Veterans 10s tournament and if you go into Café Corso you will see a very large picture of the winning team on the wall. Last year they lost in the final 28 – 5 to Wooden Spoon. They will be looking for revenge this year.

Dutch Rugby Veterans

This team is made up of the “ouwe ballen” (literally “old testicles”) who play for clubs such as Castricum and Alkmaar in North Holland. There are no less than 3 of the Marcker clan from Castricum playing. Many of the players have played in the Amsterdam Sevens before but a long time ago. They could make the semi finals. But they will have fun.

Los Papas

This team comes from Bordeaux in France and played for the Bègles club in the 1990s. It sounds as if they are all under 40 so they could be challenging for the title.

Millfield Old Boys Vets

Perhaps this should be Millfield Old Boys Old Boys. Only players fortunate enough to have been educated at Millfield School can play for the team. Those too old to play in the sevens have now decided to come as a Vets side. Expect expansive rugby. Possible semi-finalists.

Wooden Spoon

Wooden Spoon is rugby's charity supporting mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children and young people. Spoon has committed to over £13 million in spending for projects for children and young people. It has organised over 2,000 events and had over 25,000 ties worn by its loyal members and supporters. Last years winners, Wooden Spoon will be looking to retain their title. They are currently marking their 25^th anniversary by celebrating for 2 years. These guys know how to party and are continually looking to increase awareness of the great work of the Charity.

AAC

Hosts AAC will again be competing and will be hoping to make the semi-finals.

Die Bosbokken

Die Bosbokken are from Hilversum and they played last year. They have played in every Amsterdam Veterans 10s tournament and even turned up the first year we tried to run the veterans tournament and we had to call it off because there were a number of last minute call-offs. For the non-Dutch, Bosbokken means the wood goats. The Dutch often use “Goat” to refer to older men when they are not referring to them as old testicles (ouwe ballen) or old penises (ouwe lullen). 

Haarlem

A couple of Haarlem players played with AAC Veterans last year and persuaded a number of their older team mates this was a good way to work up a thirst. We will see how thirsty they are after 4 hard matches on Saturday. They are unlikely to be featuring in the Veterans Silver Pier.

Ladies 7s

AAC (NL)
AAC Corsolettes (INT)
Boudicca Ladies (Eng)
Brazil (BRA)
Canada (north of USA)
Czech Republic (Europe)
Hanze Ladies (NL)
Moody Cows (INT)
Norwegian Raiderettes (NOR) 
O.A. Airlines Business/Economy Class (ENG)
Pink Ba-ba's (INT)
Pirates (ENG)
Samurai St George's Ladies (ENG)
Wooden Spoon (INT)
U.S.A. (have a guess)

AAC (NL)

Winnen, winnen, winnen (win, win, win) is their motto and you know what? It works. This year the women's team from the host club won the Dutch national championship. Providing that they've all recovered from their celebratory hangovers, they'll probably do well with the 7's too.  

AAC Corsolettes (INT)

Once Upon a Bloody Mary Monday - this team was founded in the deepest and darkest corner of the Cafe Corso in Amsterdam's red light district. The Corso-lettes are  an invitational team mostly from NL and Scotland. I'm not sure whether that makes them Nederlottish or Scutch however, they've done well in recent years and play some good rugby. 

Aotearoa Maori Women's Sevens (NZ)

The team was formed 8 years ago to enhance and hone the skills of the indigenous women of New Zealand. So far they have won every tournament they've ever taken part in, including the last 6 Hong Kong 7's. The Amsterdam 7's is known for breaking those kind of records and whatever happens, this team is well worth watching. 

Boudicca Ladies (Eng)

Mostly from the north end of England, these ladies are out there to play as much rugby as they can and to have as much fun and they can too. Last year's kit included pink ears and tails, we'll see what they come up with this year. 

Brazil (BRA)

They've come a long way and hopefully they'll bring some of the sunshine with them. These girls are hungry for rugby and like to win. They're also the South American qualifier for the 7s world cup in 2009 

Canada (north of USA)

They're back for more again this year. Canada did really well in last year's tournament but unfortunately just got pipped at the post and didn't make it to the finals. This year, they'll be going out to set the record straight. 

Czech Republic (Europe)

Well this is another team which does what it says on the tin. They're from the Czech Republic, They're a women's rugby team and they're here to play.  

Hanze Ladies (NL)

This a Dutch combo team from the east of the Netherlands. They're young enthusiastic and made it to the final of the Plate last year where they lost to Watch Out Pedestrians. This year, the girls have clocked up another year of experience and will be looking to improve on last year's excellent result. 

Moody Cows (INT)

This is a first for us as well as the Moodies. They were originally formed to compete in the Dubai Sevens and have played there in 2004, 2005 and 2007. This year, they're ditching the sun-cream and the sandals and replacing them with wellies and umbrellas as their mission in rugby takes them their first venture nearer to home.  
 

Norwegian Raiderettes (NOR) 

Yes, the rugby season in Norway is a short one but don't let that fool you into thinking that they lack game experience. The girls wrestle with polar bears and chuck penguins around for a warm-up. How they actually handle a rugby ball is anyone's guess but they've said their up for it. 

O.A. Airlines Business/Economy Class (ENG)

The St Albanian's aka the Brownies aka whatever they came as last year, are regulars now. I'm sworn to secrecy every year about their various themes but since they won' read this until they're actually here. It's quite safe to write it. They like to bring 2 teams. 1 for fun and 1 for well.....fun. 

Pink Ba-ba's (INT)

2nd year for the ladies in pink. This team was set up by a group of mates who all played in different teams but wanted to play together sometimes. They're not actually bad at what they do either. They reached the silver pier pool last year and no doubt will do so again.  

Pirates (ENG)

Formed in 2006, the pirates have 2 rules, you have to play good rugby and your socializing skills have to be on a decent level too. The pool of players comes mostly from the south east of England but they do let in the occasional northern monkey.  

Samurai St George's Ladies (ENG)

Previous winners of the Amsterdam sevens. They've even done the double (men's and women's titles). They are an invitational team and this year they're over with a lot of young talent from England. 

Susie's Valkyries (INT)

This is another first for us this year although the name Susie's shows up a lot on the men's lists. They've played in other tournaments and according to my spies, they've done reasonably well and usually have a couple of international stars in their line up. 

Wooden Spoon (INT)

The winning finalists of 2007. What more can you say to that. They've won loads of tournaments and give all that lovely prize money to charity helping underprivileged children. Last year's final against Richmond was spectacular and they certainly played their hearts out. This year's competition is certainly hot but its their title to defend. 

U.S.A. (have a guess)

We've not had these girls over for years and years and its good to have them back. No doubt like a lot of teams, they're getting ready for the Sevens World Cup and you can never start too early.