Thursday 25th May 2006
Mike Friday, England Sevens Coach, has named his 12 man squad for this weekend's Paris Sevens, with the return of some past England Sevens players joining those who have played all season. England are currently ten points behind leaders Fiji but are still able to become the first team other than New Zealand to win the IRB Sevens in its seven year history.
Simon Amor, who has captained the squad for four years, is aware of the task which lies ahead over the next two weekends. He said, "These two tournaments are an exceptionally high standard as they involve some of the quality European teams who don't play the whole circuit. There is no such thing as an easy pool anymore and we face the French who won last year. Its crucial for us to win this weekend as if we don't its potentially game over in terms of the series for us. But thats the outcome and what is as important is the performance of the players and for all of us to prepare well, perform well and develop as players. If we all do that then the result will come as a consequence."
Three of England's Commonwealth Games silver medalists - Mathew Tait, Tom Varndell and Magnus Lund - have all been selected for the senior England tour to Australia, making them unavailable for selection. Amor is proud that the players have been recognised. "Of course I am proud and pleased for the lads who have earned senior team call ups this summer. Its great news for sevens that people are starting to recognise the positive effect it can have on a player and I am confident all of the players will play big parts in the summer tours."
The clash with the senior tour and the premiership final has allowed several players from last season's sevens campaign to return to the squad, and Simon is pleased to see the selection of 'a few old heads'. "Its great to have James Bailey, Rob Thirlby and Dan Hipkiss back in the squad for this weekend. James is incredibly quick and has been impressive for Gloucester all season, and Rob will be an important player in terms of strength and power for us. I am also pleased Danny is back on board as well, particularly after the season he has had with Tigers and having worked so hard he deserves success."
Speaking on the selection, England Sevens coach Mike Friday said, "These two tournaments are incredibly important to us and represent the culmination of all the hard work the players have put in during the season. The squad has done extremely well all year and I am proud of their achievements, but we still have to achieve our ultimate aim and win our first IRB Sevens title. We know it will be very difficult and Fiji are a quality side who will be just as determined to take the series as us. This England squad has the ability to win this weekend if they prepare and perform as we know they can, but it will come down to what happens when they step onto that pitch. It is a massive opportunity for everyone involved - both those who have played every tournament this season, and to those returning to the squad."
12 man squad for Paris
Simon Amor, Gloucester (Captain)
James Bailey, Gloucester
Ben Gollings
Richard Haughton, Saracens
Dan Hipkiss, Leicester Tigers
Will Matthews, Gloucester
Ollie Phillips, Newcastle Falcons
Ben T Russell, Saracens
David Seymour, Saracens
David Strettle, Rotherham
Rob Thirlby, Gloucester
Andy Vilk, Northampton Saints
The GMF Paris Sevens are held in Charlety on 27th & 28th May. The Emirates Airline London Sevens are held at Twickenham on 3rd & 4th June.
Tickets for the Emirates Airline London Sevens are available from Ticketmaster on 0870 902 0000 priced from £10.
For more information and player / coach interviews please contact Sally Price, England Sevens Media Manager on 020 8831 6727 / 07801 802 711.
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