5th August 2005
Issued on behalf of Bath Rugby
James Scaysbrook has been named as captain of the Bath Rugby squad that will contest the 2005 Compass Group Middlesex Sevens tournament at Twickenham on August 13th.

The England A flanker will lead a strong squad that also includes Wales international scrum half Andy Williams and France international winger David Bory.  In addition to the two full international backs, the squad also has experience in the form of England Churchill Cup squad member Andy Higgins and Spencer Davey.

There is also the chance to see some of the club's exciting youngsters in action with England Under 21 hookers Rob Hawkins and Dave Ward, England Under 19 winger Nick Abendanon, Mike Baxter and Peter Murchie also included in the squad.

For Scaysbrook the chance to lead a Bath Rugby side at Twickenham is a big honour and he is looking forward to the competition. "I am really looking forward to captaining the guys in the Middlesex sevens," said Scaysbrook. "It is a great competition to play in and there is always a good atmosphere at Twickenham. We will be facing some tough opposition up there, but our squad is a balanced one and the guys are looking forward to representing the club at HQ."

Team Manager John Palmer spoke today of the importance that sevens holds in the domestic calendar and believes that all the squad will benefit from their trip to Twickenham next weekend.

"Sevens can be a very important developmental tool for a player as skill levels, special awareness, support play and running lines have to be of high quality. There is no place to hide on a sevens field, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience and everyone is looking forward to being part of what is a renowned competition," said Palmer.

"We have selected a strong squad that comprises of a blend of international and Premiership experience in addition to some of the club's exciting talents. For the likes of Nick Abendanon, Peter Murchie, Mike Baxter and Dave Ward, the competition represents the chance to show what they can do on the big stage whilst also testing themselves against some very good players indeed."

Tickets for the whole day can be bought via Ticketmaster on 0871 871 0777, www.ticketmaster.co.uk or via the Middlesex 7s website at £25 for adults and £10 for Under 16s.

Bath Rugby 2005 Compass Middlesex Sevens squad

James Scaysbrook (Captain)
Dave Ward
Spencer Davey
Rob Hawkins
Mike Baxter
Andy Williams
Andy Higgins
David Bory
Nick Abendanon
Pete Murchie

Team Manager: John Palmer