NORTHAMPTON flyhalf Stephen Myler is anticipating a vibrant atmosphere when the Premiership 7s arrives at Franklin's Gardens this weekend.
PREMIERSHIP SEVENS PREVIEW
The curtain raiser to the 2017-18 season will be hosted over two days at a single venue this year for the first time with Wasps kicking off the defence of their title on Friday.
Myler is confident the whole club will be getting behind the event as the next generation of Premiership Rugby stars are given their chance to shine.
He said: “The club is very proud to host the tournament and it has done for a few years now. I have been training there for a few weeks now and the pitch looks immaculate.
“It is a great event during pre-season for a little bit of rugby and for the young lads to get out here and put a marker down. With the new format it is going to be something the club will really get behind and it will be really well supported.
“A lot of our younger players who have potential have an environment to learn in in front of a larger crowd and a chance to shine in what is a very important competition.”
The Premiership clubs have been draw into four groups of three with those games taking place on Friday night, starting with Wasps versus Newcastle.
The placings from the group stage will determine the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions on the Saturday with the action getting underway at 3pm.
The Saints are deep into pre-season training before meeting Saracens in the London Double Header on September 2 and Myler, below left, is expecting some exciting rugby.
He added: “It is a different format of a game and a lot more exciting. It is something I want everyone to get behind and watch.”
Lee Blackett, right, who coaches champions Wasps at the event, said: “The level of competition rises each year and this season should be no different. It was a brilliant event for the club to host the 7s series at the Ricoh Arena last season and we were delighted to lift the trophy on home turf.
“Franklin's Gardens is a fantastic place to play, I'm sure their passionate fans will turn out in force as always and it will be another great atmosphere.”
Blackett added: “The weekend should feature some really competitive teams and all of the clubs will be looking to get a springboard into the Premiership season. Winning the title last season helped our pre-season preparations and, hopefully, this year will be no different, although defending our title will be difficult with so many top teams involved.”
Harlequins academy coach Jim Evans hopes a few gems can be unearthed. He said: “Being exposed to that kind of environment will just be outstanding for those guys.
“Boys who've played in the Premiership 7s over the years – the likes of James Chisholm (left) Joe Marchant, Jack Clifford – have all then accelerated into the first-team squad.”
