Harpenden RFC’s International Pub 7s could once again stage an historic battle, as the German National team and the British Army confirm their places in this year’s tournament.

Herts Advertiser: Pub 7sPub 7s (Image: Archant)

The Germans will be determined to go one better than last year, in which they were finalists in the highest level on show, beaten only by the British Army, who are looking to defend their Singleton title.

With 48 teams expected to be competing this time around, the 49th staging of this annual competition looks set to be the biggest event yet, and is attracting attention from across Europe.

Italy is expected to join Germany in sending a national team to represent them, and to try and dethrone the British Army.

While these are the teams expected to be battling it out for the elite Singleton Cup title, there are two other cups to be contested; the Barrel and the Plate.

Competing teams will be divided into leagues of three, and the winners of each will progress into a competition for the Singleton Cup, whereas second-placed teams will contest the Barrel and the bottom teams will fight it out for the Plate.

The Barrel holders are the RAF Spitfires, who are a force to be reckoned with at this year’s competition, having won the similar Bournemouth and Kolkata 7s tournaments in their first year competing at the elite level, whereas the Plate is held by Sun’s Out Guns Out.

Away from the top teams, the tournament is a chance for social sides and to get their chance of competing in front of a crowd, and has also been known to serve as a stepping stone to bigger things.

Two British Lions have graced the International Pub 7s tournament, namely Andy Gomersall and Alex Cuthbert.

Both competed for the Wooden Spoon Marauders, with Gomersall reigniting his career with a try in the 2006 final against the British Army.

The tournament will take place on Sunday, August 24, kicking off at 10.30am, with the finals due to begin at around 5pm. Entrance is £5 with U16s allowed free entry with a paying adult.