Attack and backs coach Matt Sherratt believes the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series presents the perfect opportunity to blood Cardiff Blues' latest crop of talent.
Topping their group and reaching the semi-finals in 2014, the Welsh outfit reaped the benefits of their maiden appearance in the competition, narrowly losing out to eventual-winners Gloucester Rugby in the last four.
And with the competition set to launch once again at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Sherratt and the Blues are anticipating a bristling night of action as Wales’ hottest prospects from Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets lock horns on 22 July.
“The Singha 7s is fantastic, firstly it is a brilliant game, it is fantastic to watch and if you speak to any of the players, they love playing it,” said Sherratt.
“It is such an exciting game and for young players it is such a great development tool because nothing highlights your basic skills like 7s.
“Your catch-pass decision making and your work in contact is very individualised in 7ss, so it is going to be a great tool for some of the youngsters to come in and get a chance to pull that Cardiff Blues shirt on.”
The Blues also enjoyed facing their Welsh counterparts in the Pro12 last season, winning four out of their six games in the competition – a run which they’ll be looking to transfer to the 7s arena.
With no fewer than 25 players making international berths following appearances in the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series, the competition is rightly seen as a springboard for the best young rugby stars around. And Sherratt is hopeful that his players have what it takes to show Wales, and the 12 representatives from Aviva Premiership Rugby, exactly what they are made of.
“There are so many instances where young players have first been seen in 7s and hopefully we will see that again,” he added.
“It is a pretty tough game, so I am not sure if they would say they have enjoyed it immediately afterwards, but it is great for fitness and for the XVs stuff at this time of year it is all about trying to build stamina and nothing does that more than 7s.
“Each team has less than half the numbers, so there is twice the amount of space to cover – it is perfect for everything really.
“It is a great pitch at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park and we will see some youngsters running in the wide open spaces. It should be a fantastic occasion!”
The Singha Premiership Rugby 7s kicks off on 22 July at Cardiff Arms Park with the Finals at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday 7 August. For tickets and details visit premiershiprugby.com/singha7stickets