The game of rugby can be confusing. In England, as well as in many other countries, we’ve got Rugby Union with 15 players, Rugby League with 13 players playing with different rules, and Rugby Sevens, which made its Olympic debut in Rio last year. It’s this version that presents an exciting weekend at the prestigious Twickenham Stadium. HSBC London Sevens ‘Feast of Rugby’ (20-21 May; p. 77) is the final event of 10 in the World Rugby Sevens Series, which has been played in venues as far afield as Sydney, Dubai and Las Vegas. Seventeen nations take part in the competition, which boasts a fast and furious pace that marks out Rugby Sevens as an exciting spectator sport.
As well as the on-field events, Twickenham puts on a festival experience complete with international gourmet street food and live entertainment. There’s also another event at Twickenham: the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final (27 May). For the 15th year, England’s top two teams face off in a mighty battle to be crowned premiership champions – and what an epic occasion it promises to be. To further celebrate the 15-year milestone of the final, a list of the Greatest Final XV has been compiled. It has been selected from England’s all-time top club players and includes du Plessis, Corry, Dallaglio and Tuilagi. Heavyweight stars indeed!
SCORING POINTS
The Dutch darts wizard Michael van Gerwen aims to retain his title at this year’s Betway Premier League at The O2 (18 May). See the world’s top 10 players compete for the trophy, including Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, who is aiming to win his seventh title since 2005. Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX.
IT’S A SLAM-DUNK
Top men’s and women’s teams compete to be top dog in the BBL Basketball Play-off Finals (14 May). In an exciting end to the league season, The O2 showcases the two finals in one afternoon, together with music, cheerleaders and courtside fun. Can our London Lions do the city proud? Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX.
SO FA SO GOOD
Whether it features last year’s winners Manchester United or a dark horse, the Emirates FA Cup Final (27 May) is bound to be an electrifying event. In addition to the 90,000 watching at Wembley Stadium, it’s also beamed live to TVs across the globe – after all, this is famous for being the world’s longest-running football competition.
WATCH
CRICKET
7 May: England vs Ireland. 17 May: Middlesex vs Somerset. 19-22 May: Middlesex vs Surrey. 29 May: England vs South Africa. Lord’s Cricket Ground, St John’s Wood Rd, NW8 8QN. T: 020-7616 8500. www.lords.org. Station: St John’s Wood. A2.
FOOTBALL
13 May: SSE Women’s FA Cup Final. 20 May: League One Play-off Final. 27 May: Emirates FA Cup Final. 28 May: League Two Play-off Final. 29 May: Championship Play-off Final. Wembley Stadium, HA9 0WS. T: 0800169 2007. www.wembleystadium.com. Station: Wembley Stadium/Wembley Park. Off map. • Premier League fixtures (subject to change). For cup matches, please check website for listings. 7 May: Arsenal vs Manchester United. 21 May: Arsenal vs Everton. Emirates Stadium, 75 Drayton Park, N5 1BU. T: 020-7619 5000. www.arsenal.com. Station: Holloway Road/ Arsenal/Finsbury Park. Off map.
8 May: Chelsea vs Middlesborough. 21 May: Chelsea vs Sunderland. Stamford Bridge, Fulham Rd, SW6 1HS. T: 0871-9841 955. www.chelsea fc.com. Station: Fulham Broadway. Off map.
RUGBY UNION
20-21 May: HSBC London Sevens. 27 May: Aviva Premiership Rugby Final. Twickenham Stadium, Whitton Rd, TW2 7BA. T: 08440-847 2492. www.englandrugby.com. Station: Twickenham. Off map.
TOURS & MUSEUMS
ARSENAL STADIUM TOURS & MUSEUM
Self-guided audio tours and Legends Tour. Audio tour and museum adult £20; child £10. Legends Tour adult from £40; child £20. Museum only adult £8; child £5. See Football for address.
CHELSEA FC STADIUM TOURS & MUSEUM
Check for times. Tour and museum adult £22 (£19 online); child £13. Museum only adult £11; child £9. See Football for address.
LORD’S CRICKET GROUND
The home of cricket houses the world’s oldest sporting museum. Tour £20; child £12. Museum only adult £8; child £5. See Cricket for address.
TWICKENHAM RUGBY TOUR
Tours Tue-Sun; check for times and prices. See Rugby Union for address.
WEMBLEY TOURS
Go behind the scenes of the UK’s largest sports and music venue. Have your photo taken with a replica of the FA Cup and see the dressing rooms. Check for availability. Pre-booked adult £18; child £11. Wembley Stadium, HA9 0WS. T: 0800169 9933. www.wembleystadium.com/ tours. Station: Wembley Park. Off map.
WIMBLEDON TENNIS MUSEUM & TOUR
See the 1887 men’s singles trophy. Daily 10am5pm. Check for prices. Child free with adult. All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Rd, SW19 5AE. T: 020-8946 6131. www.wimbledon.com/ museum. Station: Southfields. Off map.
