HEAD coach Simon Mulholland has ruled out any hint of complacency as Sedbergh head to the 75th anniversary of the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens as defending champions.

After claiming the Open title at the annual sevens tournament 12 months ago, Sedbergh set up a meeting with Festival winners Wellington College at Twickenham, which they lost 17-5.

Sedbergh will enter the Open, Colt and Preparatory Schools competitions, with Mulholland determined to ensure his side are fully prepared given the high-calibre opposition on show.

“It’s the pinnacle of our year really and the one that we look forward to the most,” he said.

“Obviously we won it last year but that doesn’t give us an edge or anything, it’s just good memories and no more.

“It’s a new year and a new tournament – we can’t rely on the fact that we won it last year.

“We are a good side and perhaps have a better squad in some respects than last year. If we can play to our best then we will be in with a shout.

“The primary aim is to make sure we get out of the group and then see where we go. If we do that anything can happen.”

The Rosslyn Park Sevens has a history of starting the careers of rugby legends – namely Gareth Edwards, Will Carling, Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back, Rob Andrew and Rory Underwood.

And with five wins at the prestigious tournament under their belt, Mulholland admits the buzz created by the Rosslyn Park Sevens makes Sedbergh hungry to repeat the trick.

“It’s massive because it’s the biggest rugby sevens tournament in the world so all our focus is on it and getting a result,” he added.

“We’ve won it five times so we have a good history in the tournament and want to live up to it.

“When you bring that trophy back it gives a boost to the whole school because it’s such a well-known tournament.

“It’s a special cup and every team wants to get their hands on it.”

HSBC is proud to sponsor the world's largest schools rugby tournament. All HSBC’s rugby sponsorships aim to help develop and grow the sport and ensure even more youngsters get involved with rugby. For more information visit www.rpns7.co.uk