Sky Live: HSBC World Rugby Sevens London preview

It's London Calling for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series as Twickenham plays host to the 15 core teams plus one invitational side, Ireland.

After eight legs of the World Series event we're set for a thrilling denouement in London, live on Sky Sports Mix or Sky Sports Action (Red Button) from 9.15am on Saturday, and in Paris the weekend after.

This season is one of the most compelling and hotly-contested yet, with the top two nations in the World Series standings separated by just four points.

In fact, there are just 37 points between the top four teams and to put that into context, a tournament victory delivers 22 points, second secures 19 and third delivers 17 series points.

Following three consecutive tournament victories in Vancouver, Hong Kong and Singapore, Fiji lead the way [145] and their most recent victory saw them top the standings for the first time this season.

South Africa closely follow behind and the defending series champions are boosted by the return of their all-time try-scorer, Seabelo Senatla, for these final two tournaments.

Senatla, who last played on the series in February in Hamilton, comes back in after playing XVs with the Stormers and sits fifth in the game's all-time try-scoring list.

England, pitched in Pool C alongside Kenya, USA and France, will be led by Tom Mitchell and he will be taking part in his 50th HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event having made his debut back in 2012.

This weekend's hosts took home a bronze medal from the Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast and in front of their home fans, will be looking to build on their third-place finish in Singapore.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Scotland arrive at Twickenham looking to make it three in a row at the home of England rugby, after titles in 2016 and 2017.

Scott Riddell will captain the side that have been drawn in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Fiji and Argentina and believes his team are up for the challenge.

"We are in a tough group, but every game is tough and we'll look to impose our game on the opposition," said Riddell.

"It's always good to have a raucous crowd at Twickenham, it doesn't come much better. It's probably the biggest crowd that we get to experience all year and we'll really raise our game for that."

Live HSBC Sevens World Series

After Ireland's heartbreak of losing out in the semi-finals of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Qualifying tournament in Hong Kong, the team have a chance to take to the stage in both London and Paris.

The side, who are an invitational team for the final two tournaments of the series, will start their campaign at Twickenham against Australia before facing Spain and Wales in Pool B.

Watch day one of the HSBC London Sevens live on Sky Sports Mix from 9.15am on Saturday. The second day of action also starts at 9:15am on Sunday, live on Sports Action.