Jim Hamilton aims to make London City 7s a must-attend rugby event
Jim Hamilton is targeting a place for London City 7s among the capital’s can’t-miss sporting dates. The former Scotland international, who won 63 caps and serves as the tournament’s voice, sees the event bringing together elite rugby, business networking and entertainment in what he describes as the heartbeat of the sport. The tournament returns to the Honourable Artillery Company ground on Thursday, with two-time Investec Champions Cup winners Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Perpignan and the Barbarians in the line-up. Hamilton believes rugby needs innovation, with sevens providing a proven format that can draw leading players and fresh audiences. The HAC offers a distinctive backdrop, with its pitch built above artillery storage. London City 7s launched in May 2025 after London lost the European leg of the World SVNS Series. Its first edition attracted 3,000 corporate attendees, and Harlequins beat a Saracens team featuring England player Noah Caluori in the final. This year, 11 men’s and women’s teams will play pool matches and knockout rounds. The Sport x Business Conference starts at 9am, gates open at 11am and the finals take place under lights at 8pm. Hamilton hopes later editions will feature Premiership, URC and Top 14 clubs, potentially alongside a team from the United States, while creating routes for players between sevens and 15-a-side rugby.
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