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England gunning for London Sevens title


2008 Emirates Airline London Sevens competition

Please note that this news story is archived here for historical interest and refers to the London Sevens competition in 2003.

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ENGLAND have wheeled out their big guns for this weekend’s Emirates Airline London Sevens at Twickenham.

The team blew their big chance to close in on world leaders New Zealand when they were knocked out in the semi-finals at Cardiff last Sunday.

But coach Joe Lydon recalled three of the players who helped claim this season’s Hong Kong and Brisbane titles, naming Wasps hooker Phil Greening, Gloucester centre Henry Paul and Saracens wing Richard Haughton in the 12-man squad.

England have to win the tournament - and hope the Kiwis fail to get further than the quarter-finals - to stand any chance of claiming the world crown.

Cardiff was very disappointing. We had a chance to really set it up for a great final tournament,” said England's Simon Amor.

“But we’re really pleased with the way we’ve developed over the last two years. We’ve won in Brisbane, retained our Hong Kong title and we’ll be going all out to finish on a high at Twickenham."

Greening revealed on the eve of the London tournament that he is ready to sign a new three-year deal with London Wasps.

The former England hooker had been linked with a return to Gloucester, the team his side beat to win the Zurich Premiership.

But he has told Wasps boss Warren Gatland of his intention to stay with the side who clinched the title with a 39-3 win in last weekend’s Twickenham final.

And he hopes that his performances for England and on the Churchill Cup tour to Canada and Japan can push him into contention for more caps in Clive Woodward's senior side.

“I’m staying at Wasps and I’m hoping to sign a three-year deal,” said Greening.

“I see my future with them and I want to be training at Twickenham and staying with Wasps because they’re a great club and the Premiership champions.

“Sevens has given me the confidence in myself, in my fitness and as a ball player," he added.

“It’s a big step to get back in the England squad but it’s great for me to be involved again with guys like Henry Paul.”

There are 16 sides involved in 44 games over the two days with play starting on Friday at 12pm and on Saturday at 11.15am.

England’s Pool B games on Friday are against Scotland (2.12pm), Georgia (5.18pm) and Argentina (9pm).

 
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