Scotland’s most-capped male player, Chris Paterson, who has represented his country in 104 Tests has thrown his weight behind next weekend's Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens. 

Paterson spoke with enthusiasm about the inclusion of Rugby Sevens as a core part of both the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and encouraged supporters to get an early taste of what to expect when the HSBC Sevens World Series comes to Murrayfield on 28-29 May.

The final leg of the 2010/11 season will be the 100th event in the history of the World Series and New Zealand are favourites to lift their ninth title in the 12 years.

But the 33-year-old confirmed: “Sevens is going to play an increasingly prominent role on the rugby and global sporting landscapes, and the Edinburgh event at Murrayfield next weekend will be a great example of the level of skill and excitement on the circuit, and the party atmosphere which surrounds it.

"The Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens is a terrific opportunity for people to come along and enjoy a day out at Murrayfield that’s not like any other.

"What you’ll experience is totally unique to the sevens circuit. With regards to the rugby itself, no matter how big a fan of the sport you are or how many games you’ve watched, you’ll see something you’ve never seen before, just with the speed and skills of the guys on show. It’s a great platform to showcase your skills, and that’s exactly what these guys do.

Inside Sevens: The party atmoshpere


"Outside of that, it’s a carnival atmosphere: you’ve got fancy dress, with any luck a full day in the sun, and the whole Festival of Rugby taking place on the back-pitches with something like 1,300 people involved.

"The Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens is a fantastic combination of things, and I’m certainly looking forward to coming along and enjoying it all myself."

Transitional period

Last year Scotland performed heroics at their home tournament and beat Fiji, reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Wales, South Africa and Argentina on their way to winning the Plate. 

This year, despite admitting it has been a transitional period, Scotland captain Scott Riddell has lifted two Bowl titles in South Africa and USA.

RWC Sevens 2009 Plate winner Jim Thomson and all-time leading points scorer Colin Gregor have been recalled for the tournament in Murrayfield, but Riddell acknowledges the importance of London.

"I think it is a season of transition. We have had a few seasoned campaigners who have moved on in the professional game in Scotland so we are rebuilding a bit but there are guys who have stepped up. We have won the Bowl in George and Las Vegas and these spur us on.

"Those guys [Thomson and Gregor] are very experienced Sevens players and have been there and done that. It is great to have those guys coming in but we just have to look to do our jobs and try and feed off the enthusiasm they will bring to the squad.

"It is really important to set a level of performance in London that we can build on to take to Murrayfield to give us a bit of confidence as well and look at things we might need to work on to improve."

Two days, 16 countries, 44 games, one great weekend: Tickets for the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield on 28-29 May are on sale now, priced just £5 for under-18s, £10 for students and senior citizens, and £20 for adults. Visit www.edinburgh7s.com for more information and to buy tickets.