Day 1 | Friday 21st March

No better way to start the trip than a behind-the-scenes look at Twickenham Stadium! From the changing rooms to the famous pitch, the squad took it all in before exploring the World Rugby Museum.

With the U16 Boys and U18 Girls joining tomorrow, the excitement is building for an action-packed week ahead!

Day 2 | Saturday 22nd March

After a morning training session, our U14 and U16 girls were joined by the U16 Boys & U18 Girls squads as the full group came together for an unforgettable visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The highlight of the day? Soaking up the electric atmosphere of an intense clash between Saracens and Harlequins!

Day 3 | Sunday 23rd March

DESS College kicked off Day 3 with the squads coming together for their first full training session, sharpening up ahead of the tournament.

Then it was time to take in the best of London - breathtaking views from the London Eye, a stroll through Leicester Square, and, of course, no trip is complete without a Primark stop!

The day wrapped up with a team meal at Zizzi’s, the perfect way to fuel up for the days ahead. Bring on tomorrow! 💪

Day 4 | Monday 24th March

It was a big day at Rosslyn Park for the DESS College U16 Girls, who impressed throughout the group stages and secured a well-earned spot in the semi-finals of the National Sevens U16s Girls Cup.

The team kicked off their day with a strong 38-17 win over Oasis Academy Brislington in their first match. They followed that up with an even more commanding 45-5 victory over Stover School. In their third match, they maintained their momentum with a 41-12 win against Seaford College, securing their well-earned spot in the quarter-finals.

Day 4 | Monday 24th March

Meanwhile, the U16 Boys and U18 Girls began their morning with a tour of Stamford Bridge, before heading over to Rosslyn Park to show their support for the U16 Girls in their quarter-final match!

Day 4 | Monday 24th March

The U16 Girls put on a dominant performance against Park House School with an impressive 50-0 win to get through to the last 4 of the Cup.

Unfortunately, their journey ended in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 7-38 loss to Hill House School, but the girls gave it their all and can be so proud of the efforts.

All eyes now turn to the U14 Girls, who will take to the pitch tomorrow. Good luck, girls!

Day 5 | Tuesday 25th March

The girls kicked off their campaign with a nail-biting 10-10 draw against Blundell's School, before roaring into action with a dominant 27-7 victory over Reigate Grammar School. Next up, they produced a fantastic performance against Cantonian High School, with a remarkable 56-0 scoreline.

With the U16 Girls, U16 Boys, and U18 Girls cheering them on throughout the day, the squad showed what the DESS College team spirit is all about!

Day 5 | Tuesday 25th March

It was an all-Dubai affair in the U14 girls' quarter-final at Rosslyn Park, as DESS College faced off against local rivals, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS). DESS College battled hard but were defeated 27-10 by eventual champions JESS.

The girls can be incredibly proud of their top-eight finish at one of the world’s biggest rugby sevens festivals – well done, girls!

In the evening, it was time for the school’s annual awards night for the U14 & U16 Girls as it was time to say goodbye before flying home tomorrow - it was great to have you with us, girls!

Day 6 | Wednesday 26th March

It was a big day at Rosslyn Park as the U16 Boys took to the pitch. Meanwhile, the U18 Girls watched on in support, preparing for their turn tomorrow.

The boys started strong with a 26-24 win over Cardiff High School but faced a tough 26-38 defeat to Glenalmond College in their second fixture. They ended the day on a high with a dominant 58-7 victory against Emanuel School.

Despite their two wins, DESS College finished second in the group, just shy of progressing, with Glenalmond College topping the table.

With a full DESS College support squad cheering from the side-lines, the energy was high throughout the day, setting the stage for another exciting day of competitions.

Day 7 | Thursday 27th March

The U18 Girls had a strong Thursday at the National Sevens, starting with a tough 10-24 loss to Hereford 6th Form College but bouncing back with impressive wins over King Edward's School (24-14), Brooksby Melton College (26-19), and Barton Peveril College (33-12).

The U18 Girls’ solid performance secured their spot in Day 2 of the competition, setting the stage for another exciting round of matches.

Day 7 | Thursday 27th March

In the evening, the whole group had the exciting opportunity to return to Stamford Bridge, this time for the highly-anticipated UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Having toured the stadium just a few days earlier, it was a special moment to experience the atmosphere of a live game at one of the world’s iconic football venues!

Day 8 | Friday 26th March

After a strong first day at the Rosslyn Park 7s, the U18 Girls returned for Day 2 with great energy and of course, a great crowd of support from the U16 Boys!

The team secured impressive victories against Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School (36-12) and New Hall School (43-5), but were narrowly defeated 19-10 by Bishop Wordsworth's School in the Plate Semi-Final. A phenomenal effort over the past two days girls, well done!

That wraps up an unforgettable 8 days in London with DESS College as the group heads home tomorrow. Safe travels, everyone!