The new JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Sevens series kicked off last weekend at Harlequins, with the next leg at Welford Road this Friday evening (July 23) when Leicester Tigers face opposition from Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons and Leeds Carnegie.
The series allows supporters to see some competitive match action ahead of the new season in the social atmosphere of sevens rugby.
Hipkiss, now a senior international with 13 caps, enjoyed two seasons on the IRB World Sevens circuit in England colours.
“I was selected in the Sevens for the first time in 2003 and flew straight out to Dubai,” he recalls.
“The following week we went to George in South Africa and we beat France and New Zealand there.
“The England squad included Simon Amor, Richard Haughton, Ugo Monye, Pat Sanderson and Tom Rees, who made his debut at the same time as me.
“Then in 2004 I went to Singapore, Wellington twice, Los Angeles twice, and played in the France and London legs of the Sevens circuit.
“I thought playing Sevens really helped me at the time. I was a bit low on game-time at that stage and I got some really good time in the Sevens and took some real confidence from it. Sevens really helps in terms of your fitness and speed, and I probably threw more passes in the two weeks training for the Sevens than I would probably do in a month of training normally.”
Entry on Friday evening is free to Tigers season ticket holders on production of their season ticket card. For every additional ticket purchased by a season ticket holder you can also buy one at half-price.
For all other supporters, adult tickets are just £10, with juniors £5. Family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) are available at the special price of £25.
Or buy two tickets and get a third free so you can enjoy an evening with friends or family at the home of the Guinness Premiership champions.
All supporters will be accommodated in the Caterpillar Stand.
Kick-off in the opening game is at 7.30pm, with the final action concluded by 10pm.
Tickets can be purchased in person from the Tigers ticket office (open 8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday and until 8pm on Wednesdays) or via the ticket hotline 0844 856 1880.
