FOR Sean Robinson the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s will always hold a special place in his heart and the Newcastle Falcons second row is hoping he will be able to create more memories in this year’s event.

The 24-year-old signed his first professional contract with the club last year and his first runout in the black of Newcastle came at Darlington’s Northern Echo Arena in the group stage of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s, which the Falcons won.

The competition ultimately ended in disappointment as they lost both matches in the Finals event but Robinson still recalls the 2014 series fondly.

The Durham University graduate explained: “It was my first experience of professional rugby so it was special for me. There was a really big crowd at Darlington in a big stadium and they created a really good atmosphere. I think there were 7,000 there that night.

“It was a privilege to run out in a Newcastle shirt for the first time and I really enjoyed it.

“I loved it last year and it is always nice when you win so hopefully I will get the opportunity to do it again this year.

“Playing 7s rugby really focuses on your basics. You have to be able to tackle well and pass well and it isolates those core skills that you need in rugby. It is a key element of the 7s game so being involved is a good opportunity to work on those skills.”

This year’s group stage will take place at Newcastle’s Kingston Park on August 22; with the 3G pitch likely to enhance the exciting rugby that the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s competition has become renowned for.

Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors complete the line-up as they look to secure a place in the final at the Twickenham Stoop on August 28.

There is also an added incentive for the players to impress in this year’s event with 7s rugby being part of the Olympics for the first time next summer in Rio.

Several of Newcastle’s squad from the 2014 series played for the first team last season, including Robinson, and he has highlighted Joe Craggs and Dan Marshall as two of the Falcons who could star at Kingston Park on August 22.

Robinson said: “It is a great opportunity for young players. It is often the first time most of us play in front of the senior coaches so it is a big opportunity to impress. Simon Hammersley is a perfect example of that as he had a really good tournament and went on to play in the first few Premiership games off the back of that so it is a really big opportunity for young players.

“My hope for this season is just to stake a claim for a Premiership spot. You have to keep pushing yourself and keep working hard in pre-season. I plan to keep my head down and hopefully opportunities will come off the back of that.”

Tickets for the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series are now on sale. For full details see premiershiprugby.com/7s