The LIT Super Sevens Series To Launch in 2025 After Merger
In a major development for rugby sevens, the Super Sevens Series, the UK’s elite rugby sevens competition, has announced a merger with the London International 7s Tournament Series (LIT7s Series), the country’s premier social rugby sevens competition. The collaboration will give rise to the “LIT Super Sevens Series,” poised to become the largest rugby sevens series in the UK.
Set to launch in 2025, the new series will feature over 200 Men’s and Women’s Social, Open, and Elite teams competing across four stages. This merger is seen as a pivotal moment for rugby sevens in the UK, particularly following the sport’s high-profile success at the Paris Olympics, drawing in more spectators and promoting growth for players and referees at all levels.
A Historic Collaboration
The Super Sevens Series, founded in 2012 by former England 7s Manager Terry Sands and Barrie Torbett, has long been a breeding ground for top-tier rugby talent. The series has produced several players who have gone on to represent their countries on the global stage, including stars like Sam Cross, Semi Radrandra, and Harry Randall. With its focus on competitive excellence, the Super Sevens Series has also attracted international teams, including sides from Hong Kong, China, Germany, and Spain.
“The Series has achieved so much since its inception,” said Sands and Torbett in a joint statement. “Players and referees have used it as a platform to develop their skills, preparing them to compete at the highest level. We believe this merger will only enhance the experience for everyone involved, making the series accessible to an even larger audience.”
The LIT7s Series: A Growing Force
Similarly, the LIT7s Series has been a key player in promoting rugby sevens since its founding in 2012 by Ellaine Gelman. LIT7s has grown rapidly, with 70 teams participating in 2024, and has hosted international sides such as the Chinese National Team and the French National 7s Champions. The series made headlines this year with the debut of the LIT London 7s, a stadium event at Wimbledon AFC, featuring elite teams from countries like the USA, New Zealand, Fiji, and Great Britain.
Gelman, now CEO of the LIT7s Series, expressed her excitement about the merger. “We are thrilled to bring the Super Sevens Series into the LIT family. We are extremely proud of the opportunities our tournaments have created for rugby sevens players in the UK,” she said, highlighting the pathway for players to advance in the sport. “One of our most notable success stories is a women’s player from our tournament who was scouted by Saracens and later by England Rugby and GB7s.”
The Future of Rugby Sevens in the UK
The formation of the LIT Super Sevens Series marks an exciting new chapter for rugby sevens. The combined series will provide a platform for social players to compete alongside elite and international teams, furthering the development of the sport at all levels. With larger events and increased accessibility, the series aims to expand its fan base and introduce more people to rugby sevens.
The 2025 series will consist of four legs over the summer, culminating in a final celebration at the LIT7s Tournament in July, hosted at Wasps Rugby Club. The event promises to deliver top-tier rugby action and a vibrant atmosphere as the Series champions are crowned.
As the rugby sevens community gears up for this landmark merger, anticipation is building for what is expected to be the most exciting series in the sport’s history in the UK.
Find out more by heading to the website https://www.supersevensseries.com/ or on socials @LIT7s @supersevensseriesuk
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