Held every year during Summerfest, the Lakefront 7s tournament highlights the seven-a-side variation of rugby that is currently being considered for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Rugby is often compared to American football, but the seven-a-side variation is truly unique with tournament matches consisting of about 20 minutes. This fast-paced style of rugby is exhilarating to watch as it has all the physicality of football but the and continuos play and quick, exciting scoring that is more akin to basketball.

The Harlequins travelled to Grand Rapids, MI over the weekend to play cross town rivals the Milwaukee Black & White in the Midwest semifinals. On a day affected by rain and long delays due to lightning, the Milwaukee Harlequins defeated the Black & White 27-16. The game was a tight contest with the Harlequin forwards proving to be too strong (full match report).

Due to the weather, the Midwest final between the Harlequins and the Indianapolis Impalas was unable to be played and the teams were named co-champions. Both teams will now represent the Midwest Rugby Union in the men’s division 2 national championships. The Harlequins first challenge at the National Sweet Sixteen will be on may 16th against the Tampa Krewe in Columbia, SC.