Commonwealth Sevens

“Glasgow 2014 – Rugby Sevens” by Daniel, licenced under CC BY 2.0

The Commonwealth Games is sadly over for this time around, but boy was it a belter!  The Rugby Sevens was fast, furious and downright exciting, especially for us rugby fans. As a brilliant prelude to the official 2016 Olympics debut, rugby was very well represented at the Glasgow 2014 Games. Rugby Sevens is much the same as a full team game, but because there are only seven players on each side it's double the work and double the effort. It makes for an extremely energetic and fast-paced game.

How it Works

Over two days, there are a total of 45 games played between 16 teams. Because it is a knockout tournament, eventually there will be two teams left, vying for the winning Gold prize. There are four ‘pools,' containing four teams. This year it began with pool A containing New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Barbados. Pool B contained South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. Pool C contained Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia and Pool D contained England, Australia Sri Lanka and Uganda. In the same way as the FIFA Soccer World Cup, the teams in each pool play each other, with the top 8 qualifying for the quarter-finals. Then, they play each and it is whittled down further and so on, until only two are left. This year’s Gold went to South Africa.

“Kenyan Fans” by Erik Hersman, licenced under CC BY 2.0

Excitement and Support

Hardened rugby fans like seven's simply because it is a little more hardcore sometimes. It doesn't compare to 11's because they are both played entirely differently, with the exception of the rules, but because each team has twice the work it does lead to twice the excitement and twice the effort. The fans love it and because it is a shorter punchier version of ‘big' rugby is perfect for new fans to get acquainted with the beautiful game, too. 

Keep an eye out for the latest fixtures in the Sevens World Series and make sure you stalk up on your home nation rugby tops here!

Blair Atholl Horse Trials

Twenty-six years sure does shoot by quickly, and the older we get, the faster it seems to go. When the Blair Atholl Horse Trials started this year on 21^st August, it marked twenty-six years since the very first International horse trial was held there, and that is some feat.  The leading equestrian event in Scotland, the trials also encompasses the Country Fair and had an expected 40,000 attend.

“Horse” by Moyan Brenn, licenced under CC BY 2.0

What Happens?

Well, it’s a great few days of fun for the whole family and horse lovers alike. Sponsored by Barclays, the event runs from 21^st August through 24^th August and the Blair Atholl hallowed turf. You will see Olympic medallist competing alongside ranked amateurs and a fun but competitive environment. Lucinda Frederick will be defending her title this year too. The Bruadar Country Fair runs concurrently with the trials, and you will see other equestrian activities all throughout the weekend. There are also over two-hundred vendor stands—of which we are one—at the shopping village, so come along and see what bargains are to be had.

What Else is there and why?

Well, you will find sponsored charities there, such as HorseBack UK, who are this year’s designated charity and you will find superb action and plenty of family fun to join in with. If you love horses and just simply enjoy watching them do their graceful thing, this is an event you won't want to miss. If you can’t make it this year, then make a note of date and join us next year!