CHAMPIONS Newport Gwent Dragons will once again have to overcome back-to-back fixtures in the Welsh leg of the Singha Premiership 7s.

The Dragons, who lifted the trophy with a stunning last-gasp win against a star-studded Wasps side at Twickenham Stoop last summer, will open the defence of their title against the Ospreys at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Friday, July 22 (kick-off 7.25pm).

They will then have to use their squad wisely with back-to-back fixtures against Cardiff Blues (8.20pm) and the Scarlets (8.50pm), both of whom don’t have to go without a break throughout the six-fixture schedule.

Since the Welsh sides entered the tournament in 2014 the Dragons have always had a back-to-back fixture while the hosts have never had one.

Nonetheless, Nick Wakley’s squad will be looking to repeat their 2015 victory on the plastic pitch in the capital in order to qualify for the finals night at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

That event on Sunday, August 7 (2pm start) will feature the Women’s Premiership Rugby 7s final for the first time and Wasps will want to go one better on home turf after their Dragons defeat.

Director of rugby Dai Young, who included England stars Christian Wade and Elliot Daly last summer, said: “Last year’s Singha 7s saw a lot of impressive speed and skills on show.

“The series final couldn’t have been more dramatic even though sadly Wasps were on the wrong side of the drama with the title being clinched with a try in the very last play of the game (by Dragons number eight Harrison Keddie).

“We will be aiming to reach the final again especially now that it will be at our home ground. It’s going to be a carnival atmosphere at the Ricoh and it looks like we’re going to have a good crowd to see which team will win the first silverware of the season.”

Welsh Leg fixtures (Friday, July 22): Scarlets v Cardiff Blues (7pm), Ospreys v Newport Gwent Dragons (7.25pm), Ospreys v Scarlets (7.55pm), Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons (8.20pm), Scarlets v Newport Gwent Dragons (8.50pm), Ospreys v Cardiff Blues (9.15pm)

Finals day at the Ricoh Stadium, Coventry on Sunday, August 7: First quarter-final at 2pm