The world-renowned Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens is ready to kick off for a 70th successive year in March, with 650 squads and 7200 players converging on south-west London for five days of feverish and fun activity.

Visiting teams from Transylvania (or Romania, if you prefer), Nigeria, Ireland and - for the first time - Spain will join the regular participants from schools the length and breadth of the United Kingdom in six tournaments from March 10-15.

The tournament organisers are confident they can handle the complicated logistics of more than 1200 matches handled by 150 referees, but they admit one aspect is lacking - some additional sponsors.

Rose Tanner, co-organiser of the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, said: "People may think the tournament just happens because it is the blue riband of the youth rugby world.

"Unfortunately we don't get the financial support we need, and we do need serious backers.

"We are always indebted to companies who support us with vital kit in order to ensure the Tournament continues, namely RAM Rugby, Gilbert Rugby, Samurai International, Rhino Rugby, and countless other individuals and charities who quietly support us.

"If any company or individual who could be a financial supporter and is interested at all in youth rugby and helping the world find future national players, we would urge them to get in touch."

England's Rugby World Cup Sevens-winning squad of 1993 contained several players who cut their teeth at Rosslyn Park, among them Adedayo Adebayo (Kelly College), Nick Beal (RGS High Wycombe), Matt Dawson (RGS High Wycombe), Justyn Cassell (Dulwich College) and Lawrence Dallaglio (Ampleforth College).

Kick-off this year is at 10.20am on Monday March 10 at Wimbledon Common. The finals of the Juniors (Under-13), Preparatory Schools, Colts (U16) and Festival (U18 one-term rugby schools) will be on the main pitches of Wimbledon Common and the final rounds of the Girls (U18) and Open (U18 for any school) will be at Rosslyn Park RFC on Friday March 14.

Details of all the draws for the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens 2008 can be found at: www.ns7.co.uk and further details can be obtained via e-mail: sevens@tannergrp.freeserve.co.uk.