The penultimate round of the HSBC Sevens World Series takes place at Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium on the 4th and 5th May 2013 and in the build-up to the event rugby fans in Edinburgh shared in the excitement when they caught a glimpse of the coveted Series trophy in their local HSBC branch as it tours round Scotland.
With anticipation building for the Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens next month, Scottish player, Chris Cusiter accompanied the Series trophy to the Edinburgh branch to meet staff and budding young rugby fans.
Speaking from Edinburgh, Chris Cusiter commented: “Today has been fantastic in Edinburgh. I am a big fan of rugby sevens and have followed the HSBC Sevens World Series so far and it has proved to be an exciting season so I am honoured to be able to accompany this highly sought after trophy across Scotland in the build-up to the Glasgow Sevens.
“I’ve really enjoyed chatting to the young Scottish rugby fans about sevens and seeing them get excited about the Glasgow tournament next week. I hope all my fellow Scots get behind the Scotland Sevens team in Glasgow, which is a crucial tournament for the side in the overall HSBC Sevens World Series standings.”
Interim CEO for HSBC in Scotland, Doug Baikie, added: “HSBC has a long-standing investment in rugby around the world from the pinnacle of the British & Irish Lions Tour and the HSBC Sevens World Series to the thousands of children who are introduced to rugby for the first time through HSBC’s numerous community rugby programmes.
“We are delighted to welcome the Series Trophy to the Edinburgh branch today as the Scottish leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series draws closer. It was great to see so many customers and fans turn out to have their picture taken with the trophy and Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings.”
The HSBC Sevens World Series is the pinnacle of international sevens rugby and a globally recognised sporting event featuring nine tournaments around the world. The Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens will be crucial this season in deciding which of the current teams will need to re-qualify as core teams next season. Scotland are currently joint 12th with the USA in the Series standings and are close to the danger zone.
Following Glasgow will be the final round of the Series, the Marriott London Sevens on the 11th-12th May, where the core teams ranked 13th, 14th and 15th after Glasgow, will play off for three available core team places next season, a scenario every core team wishes to avoid.
The HSBC Sevens World Series trophy tour is visiting four of Scotland’s major cities this week, taking in Glasgow, Dumfries, Edinburgh and Dundee.
For more information on the HSBC Sevens World Series visit www.irbsevens.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/irbsevens.
