Saracens flanker Will Fraser believes Premiership Rugby Sevens Series offers players opportunities to progress

Saracens won the inaugural Series in 2010 and were runners-up in 2011 while Fraser was part of the squad that progressed out of the pool stage last year but didn’t play as they fell in the finals round.

Prior to appearing in last year’s Series, Fraser enjoyed a breakthrough season for Saracens making 16 first-team appearances including the 24-15 Aviva Premiership semi-final loss to Leicester in May.

He’s already surpassed double figures this season, scored on his England Saxons debut in January and been called up as injury cover for the senior team’s Six Nations clash with France last month.

Fraser credits the Series in his rise and is adamant others will follow in his footsteps not just to England but to the Olympics with rugby set to make its first appearance since Paris 1924 at Rio 2016.

“Everyone really looks forward to playing in it,” said Fraser, who attended the launch and draw of this year’s Series, which sees Saracens host Pool C with Harlequins, London Irish and Wasps.

“You only have to look at the players who have played in the tournament and are now playing in the England Sevens side to see how big a tournament it is now.

“It’s a huge opportunity to get your face out there for not only sevens but XVs for both your club and internationally and with sevens at the Olympics that is another massive opportunity.

“That is a once in a lifetime chance. I think you’ll probably see a few new faces this year playing but again you just want to play rugby really, doing what we do that’s all you want to do.

“So the chance to play is huge, no one takes it for granted and everyone is really up for it and having it at our own ground this year makes it that bit more exciting for us.”

The third leg of J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s will be at Allianz Park, the home of Saracens, on Saturday 3 August. For tickets and more information visit: www.jpmorgan7s.com or follow @jpmorganrugby7s