Team GB Olympic Silver Medallist Talks Dubai 7s

In December 2013, the Head Coach of Red Panda 7s, Alex Keay sat down with Max Ashcroft to discuss the squad for the Heineken Kinsale 7s. Alex had seen a fantastic 7s player plying his trade at the University of Gloucester under the RFU’s Phil Llewellyn.

That player was Ruaridh McConnochie and he was to join up with the squad in May 2014. Christened the year of the gilet, the team bonded well together and played outstanding 7s. Ruaridh was to provide a cutting edge through the centre channel and his displays identified him as a talented 7s player with a great future.

“Great to see the guys at Talking Rugby Union supporting University Rugby and 7s. Every year they add something unique to their coverage of rugby and I am delighted they are giving Dubai a focus” commented Ruaridh.

Ruaridh’s 7s career saw him selected for GB Students 7s, who were to become World Champions with many of the team catching the eye of England 7s. A central contract was to follow quickly and in 2016 he was selected for Team GB for the Rio Olympics. Now an Olympian and Silver medallist, we consider Ruaridh to be a friend of Talking Rugby Union; who better to ask for his opinion of the Dubai 7s .

“Dubai is always one of the favourites on the World Series; especially as an England player, as the support there is incredible. There’s no better destination to start the season. Looking forward to seeing you there."

For further details and available packages for the Dubai 7s 2016 please visit