The Royal Navy Sharks 7s side have already played in four tournaments across the south-west this summer, but team coach Guy Pallett says his team are not in the least fatigued, instead raring to go in their all-important Secure Trading 24Sevens regional play-off final.

The Secure Trading 24/Sevens competition, run by the RFU, is a community sevens series which sees the country’s best amateur teams competing across qualifying events followed by four regional competitions.

Following successful showings at Bury St Edmunds, East Grinstead and Hartpury College, the Royal Navy Sharks were crowned winners at the Yeovil 7s tournament on 7 June.

The Sharks entered the tournament on the back of losing the open final at the Bournemouth 7s, which Pallett believes was key in motivating his squad to perform well in their debut at Yeovil.

Pallett said: “I think the lads were very frustrated – in sevens games, those small margins can make differences. You’ve got 14 minutes to do your magic. If you can’t stick to your systems, one mistake, one missed pass or one missed tackle can be a game changer.

“We’ve taken some players from our 15s and they’ve performed really well. We sent out our own fitness programme at the season with a 7s training programme to put in that bit of extra bit of changing. It’s nice to see them buying into what we’re trying to achieve. They’re willing to give something back as well.”

Ealing Times:

The Royal Navy Sharks have enjoyed a successful sevens season so far 

The forces outfit now head to Exeter for the south-west regional qualifier on July 15 in their bid to make the grand final at Bath Rugby’s Recreation Ground two weeks later, and Pallett says his side are relishing the possible opportunity to play at the iconic Premiership ground.

The coach said: “It’s exposure for us. Rugby 7s is taken quite seriously within the army and the air force. The army are on the elite circuit and it’s highlighting throughout the region that the navy are there and that they are able to perform at this level.

“The lads will pull together and try their hardest and it would be a great achievement for them. They’re part of a family that can play well and can perform when needed.

“We’ve got quite a big squad to choose from – players come as far as Scotland and Cornwall –but it’s seeing if everyone’s available at the same time.”

Secure Trading 24/Sevens, is an exciting grassroots sevens competition run by England Rugby. For more information on upcoming fixtures, and information on the finals taking place at Bath Recreational Ground, go to www.englandrugby.com/24sevens.