We're not going to make this a long drawn-out article, because we know that you all just want to see some good old-fashioned sevens rugby being played by some of the most well-known names in our sport's grand history, so here's a little background on the occasion...
The year was 1996 and sevens rugby was arguably at its peak. The greatest in the 15s game were transitioning to sevens rugby a lot more regularly than the occasional bombshell that we see now.
This occasion, set in Middlesex, was a little bit special. Rugby League side Wigan had been invited to take part in the shorter union game against the recently turned professional stars of the south.
Brian Ashton's team of northern stars travelled down to show just how far ahead league was at that time. Their team featured Jason Robinson, Henry Paul, Gary Connolly, Scott Quinnell, Shaun Edwards, Andy Farrell, Rob Smyth, Kris Radlinksi, Martin Offiah and Inga Tuigamala.
After tearing Richmond limb from London limb in the opening rounds, their first real challenge came against Harlequins in the quarter finals. Despite going behind early, Wigan soon recovered to win 36 - 24 to set up a thrilling semi-final against Leicester.
The semi-final proved to be a rather comfortable 35 - 12 victory for Wigan as they cruised on to a final against a Wasps side led by future England captain, Lawrence Dallaglio.
After beating Wasps 38 - 15 in the final, the Daily Express said the league players were “light years ahead in skill, fitness and technique than anything the Union world could offer”.
This would eventually be repeated in 2002 when Bradford Bulls made their way down to Middlesex in 2002, winning the competition in very similar fashion.
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