The 2012 Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens looks set to be the largest yet with over five hundred teams already registered to compete in the world famous tournament.

Schools from across the UK will compete in 2012 for the coveted title of being named the 2012 Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens Champions. As well as teams from up and down the country, there is international interest in the tournament with schools from the USA, Denmark, Spain, Kenya and Romania also registered to compete.

The UK’s premier schools rugby sevens tournament runs from 26th until 30th March 2012, with many of the individual category competitions oversubscribed and a larger reserve list then before. The organisers of the tournament have even increased the size of the Colts competition, adding capacity for a further six schools. In 2011 over 7,500 boys and girls aged from 13 to 19 took part in the various different age competitions.

Overall schools from the London area make up the majority of teams registered with 109, followed by schools from the North of England registered at 85 so far and 26 schools in total taking part from Wales. The preparatory school competition was the category that reached capacity the fastest, filling up just two weeks after registration opened.

The prestigious tournament, now in its 73rd year, has an unrivalled roll-call of former participants including Gareth Edwards, Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Carling and former England Sevens captain Ben Gollings. Many of the current England Sevens squad, competing on the HSBC Sevens World Series all played at Rosslyn Park.

Tournament director, Dom Shabbo, commented: “For many former rugby players, playing at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National School Sevens is considered as one of the highlights of their school rugby careers, staying long in the memory. We are delighted to be able to expand the tournament this year increasing the capacity overall and developing and growing the tournament since last year.

Alongside this growth in the competition we have continued to build the tournament off the field as well, introducing a new website, digital and social media platforms and by adding innovative and forward thinking sponsors to the Rosslyn Park HSBC National School Sevens family.

We are looking forward to concluding the official draw in February and then the start of the tournament when we wish all teams and schools taking part good luck.”

Andrea de Vincentiis, HSBC Head of Rugby Sponsorship, added: “HSBC is delighted that the tournament has expanded this year to include more UK and international teams. The growth in the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens is reflective of the current growth in popularity of Sevens rugby around the world as the sport nears its inclusion in the 2016 Olympics.”

The 2011 winners of the tournament were Tonbridge (Colts), Wellington College (Festival), Hartpury College (Girls), London Oratory (Juniors), Filton College (Open) and Bromsgrove (Preps).

The tournament was first won by St George’s Harpenden in 1939. The 2012 Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens will be staged from Monday 26th March until Friday 30th March.