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The 2008 edition, that lasted for the first time two days, has been sponsored for the institutional aspects by the following: the City Council of Rome, Friends of Rugby Parliamentary Association; for the sporting aspects CONI, Italian Rugby Federation and Rugby Regional Committee. It has been broadcasted live on national television by SKY TV with over four hours of live coverage. This has produced an attendance of over 15,000 people, which does not include those deriving from the circulation of information such as the following: invitations, sponsors, television services, newspapers, local magazines, industry periodicals, tournament reviews and websites. The teams fought in order to conquer the 7th Roma Seven Cup and the Seven Kings Plate.
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The Tournament, which had already seen the skills of A.Penelise, 2007 IRB Player of the Year Award winner as well as the the world top-scorer, Ben Gollings, have seen also applaud a real icon of Seven: Waisale Serevi, for the first time in Italy, which was the star of the Seven Kings of Rome team. After over two days of great rugby, excitement and a succession of nail-biting matches, the British Army and the South Africans of Stellenbosh University reached the final.
The British Army ARU team reached the final after having defeated the France National team and the fierce Samurai International RFC.
The Stellenbosh University team after having eliminated in the quarter, the All-star team “Seven Kings” with their new Zealanders and the Fijian W. Serevi, in an intense match, went on to swiftly overcome the English team of Adidas Whitehart Marauders in the semi-final match.
The final match was played during the night, as a “traditional” must. Struggle and uncertainty lasted till the end due to the strength of both teams. In the end the young South Africans of Stellenbosch University gave up under the determination of the British Army team who won for the first time the coveted Roma Seven Cup. The Seven Kings Plate, which is reserved for the best third teams in each round, was won by the Italian National Team always present at the Roma Seven cup, which defeated the Argentinean selection of the Clandestinos.
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