The goal for the 12 teams playing in the Latvian capital this weekend is promotion to the top division of European Sevens, and maybe through that qualification for the 2013 World Cup.
And it could not be more wide open. Really. 10 of the 12 teams taking part can all harbour realistic hopes of winning the prize - only Malta and Israel will be starting with worries about likely relegation in their minds.
Switzerland in particular will have a point to prove. Beaten finalists in 2010 they were overlooked for promotion to the top table following Wales's withdrawal in favour of Romania (because they are hosting the First Division) - a decision that provoked the response "WTF?! We *thrashed* them last year!" from one of the Swiss players (other responses are less printable).
However, they will not have it their own way by a long chalk. Ukraine and Norway, both up from Division 3, look good - Ukraine in particular, who have blown most opponents away since they appeared on the women's rugby scene only three years ago. Throw in teams like the Czech Republic - arguably central Europe's leading team - as well as Andorra and Belgium (who have both appeared in the top division in the past, and are desperate to return there) and it promises to be a fascinating weekend.
Even better, a live video feed is promised. Fingers crossed on that one...
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