Rugby event that unearthed Noah Caluori backed to continue producing stars of the future

Sevens legend Mike Friday believes London City 7s can become the perfect hunting ground for rugby’s stars of the future after unearthing Noah Caluori last year.

The teenage winger racked up 20 tries for Saracens in his first season of professional rugby, before winning a first England cap in the summer. That came after appearing in the inaugural London City 7s, with this year’s edition being hosted at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) on Thursday.

It will see established names come together alongside ambitious young talent, and Friday, who is the General Manager of the event, wants it to become a stage where the next generation can announce themselves.

And for the former England and USA sevens coach, the prospect of uncovering the next big star at the second edition of the competition, which will feature teams such as two-time defending Investec Champions Cup champions Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Perpignan and the Barbarians, is one of the things he is looking forward to the most.

“Sevens provides opportunities for young rugby players to be the stars of today in preparation for the stars of tomorrow,” he said. “This event will provide those stars with an opportunity and a platform to showcase who they are and what they’re capable of doing.

“Just look at Noah Caluori. He was in this tournament this time last year, as an unknown player, and he took the City 7s by storm with his aerial ability and his try-scoring. Twelve months later, look where he is. Sevens is about the underdog. It’s about creating opportunities and then allowing those individuals to hopefully grasp that opportunity, if it comes their way.

“This event is also a vehicle for us to attract new rugby audiences, which is something we desperately need to do in the game. Sevens resonates with the younger generation. It’s fast-moving, inspirational, enjoyable and exciting. And that’s a key point.”

Born in the heart of the Square Mile, the London City 7s launched in May 2025 with the aim of bringing world-class sevens rugby back to London after the removal of the European leg from the World SVNS Series calendar.

And once again, London City 7s, which is sponsored by Wedlake Bell, promises to bring together world-class rugby sevens, business networking and an unforgettable live-event experience.

The inaugural event saw Harlequins edge out Caluori’s Saracens to claim the first title in front of 3,000 corporates at the iconic HAC. With 11 teams competing across men’s and women’s competitions, the event delivers a full day of fast, high-scoring rugby, with pool stages leading through to knockout action and the finals under lights.

The day will begin with the Sport x Business Conference at 9am, before the main event kicks off when gates open at 11am, culminating in the grand finales at 8pm.

On the venue, Friday added: “For me, I think it’s the iconic. There are not many places around the world where you can play a game of rugby, in the heartland, amongst the skyscrapers and the office buildings of the city, and the City of London HAC Club provides that.

“It provides an opportunity for the city workers and the rugby supporters to mix, integrate, do some business, connect, and enjoy what should be an exciting day of rugby.”

London City 7s is world-class rugby sevens on your doorstep, fast, high-scoring action with great food, drink and an electric City crowd. A premium day out, whether you're a die-hard fan or here for the occasion. Buy tickets here