Speaking ahead of the equivalent elite finale, which takes place at Murrayfield this weekend (30 and 31 May), Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens Festival Ambassador, Jim Calder, was on hand to present the Series trophy to the winning captain.
 
He said: “It’s so important to get events like this that tie in a big international event with community rugby.
 
“The key is exposure. You can see the influence on a global scale in promoting emerging rugby talent. Nations like Kenya and Portugal, who do not have strong rugby traditions, have begun to be formidable forces on the sevens circuit.
 
“In the same vein, having an international rugby festival creates awareness and enthusiasm for rugby and encourages the participation of schools without strong rugby backgrounds.”

Event organiser and Edinburgh City Rugby Development Officer, Ruaridh Pye, added: “The event has already seen a lot of emerging schools really come out of the woodwork and we now have 19 out of 23 schools in Edinburgh City competing.
 
“Sevens is starting to attract pupils from other sports, such as football, who see sevens as a really exciting opportunity to show off their evasive and technical skill.
 
“It’s very exciting to see schools which are not noted for having strong rugby backgrounds getting involved with the sport.”