Teams from around the world are taking part in the annual event, which is now in its 12th year. As well as the main men's event, the Bangkok Sevens also features a women's and juniors tournament.

The action starts today at the Police Stadium with the Woods Bagot Women's Cup, while the men's pool matches and finals are being played on Saturday and Sunday.

Architectural firm Woods Bagot have again sponsored a women's team from Yala IPE in an effort to ease tensions in the troubled south of the country.

Also contesting the women's event will be the Hong Kong Women's Development Squad, who will face some experienced Thai teams including the Royal Thai Air Force, Bangkok IPE, Suphan Buri IPE, Kanchanadit from Surat Thani and a combined team called Up-Country Districts from the Lopburi region.

The top seed in the men's event are the Samurai side from the UK, who compete in seven-a-side tournaments around the world and boast a number of England players in their ranks.

The second seeds are the US Eagles, who are playing in Bangkok before moving on to the Singapore Sevens. They are bringing just 12 players from their 57-strong squad.

Teams from Australia and New Zealand are also expected to mount strong challenges at the Bangkok Sevens. Thailand will be well represented with the national team taking part as well as Kasetsart, Mahasarakham, Rangsit and Thammasat university teams and sides from the Royal Thai Police and Royal Thai Navy.

Tickets for the Bangkok Sevens will be on sale at the Police Stadium and food and drinks will be available.

Play starts at noon today and at 9.00am on Saturday and Sunday until 6.00pm.

For more information, go to www.bangkoksevens.com or call 02 249 1834 or 081 822 5932.

Alan Parkhouse

The Nation