Tuesday 1st August 2006

Speaking on today's announcement of the core sevens squad, England Sevens Coach Mike Friday said, "I am excited about working with this group of players over the coming season. The core squad, who will be available for selection for all eight of the IRB Sevens this season, is boosted by the return of some experienced sevens players, as well as aiming to further develop several England Under 21s players.

"Sevens has proved a successful and effective development tool for England and as with last season, it is my aim to develop future players for England, as well as helping young premiership players become regular starters for their clubs.   

"Last season was perhaps the most successful England Sevens season ever with the development of several young players as well as success on the pitch.  Six new players were capped during the season, and some of England's brightest young stars were involved in the sevens set up, including Mathew Tait, David Seymour, Ben Foden, Tom Varndell and Danny Care.  I am thrilled that so many players who were involved with England Sevens last season have progressed and have earned places in either the EPS or one of the National Academy squads."

Looking in detail at the eleven players named in the core sevens squad, Mike said, "This will be Simon Amor's seventh England Sevens season and his fifth as captain.  Simon is an outstanding sevens player with fantastic leadership skills.  Simon has moved to London Wasps this summer to help him achieve his XVs ambitions to match his sevens ambitions, of becoming a leading premiership number 9, and I look forward to following his progress at Wasps this season.

"I am delighted that Tony Roques is fit again and back in the core squad. Tony is one of the most professional players I have ever worked with and leads by example.  We also welcome back Rob Thirlby who has been involved with England Sevens since 2001.  Rob focused on his XVs game last season with Gloucester and returns to the sevens squad with added, invaluable experience.

"Two players who impressed all last season were Andy Vilk and Nils Mordt.  Last year was their first full season with England Sevens and they became crucial players within the squad.  They will both be looking to improve their overall game with the aim of transferring that knowledge and experience to their XVs game and their premiership clubs. 

"David Strettle was one of the surprise success stories of last season, coming from the St George's squad, which is used by England to develop young sevens players, to setting IRB Sevens try scoring records in only his second tournament in Los Angeles.  David will be playing Guinness Premiership rugby for the first time this season with NEC Harlequins, and his XVs game will, I am sure, benefit from regular England Sevens action.

"The core sevens squad this season contains some more names who will hopefully all feature for England in the future.  I have been impressed by the outstanding England Under 21 back row pair of James Haskell and Michael Hills.  Young full back Mike Brown showed huge potential during the Grand Slam England Under 21s, as did the fast running Nick Abendanon and Ryan Davis. 

"I am confident that with the right development at both club and England level, several of this core squad  will progress and play for the senior England team in the near future."

Core Sevens Squad

Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)

Simon Amor (London Wasps)

Mike Brown (NEC Harlequins)

Ryan Davis (Bath Rugby)

James Haskell (London Wasps)

Michael Hills (Sale Sharks)

Nils Mordt (London Irish)

Anthony Roques (Exeter Chiefs)

David Strettle (NEC Harlequins)

Rob Thirlby (Gloucester Rugby)

Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks)

The IRB Sevens schedule will be announced by the IRB.