Tuesday 15 January 2008

Record points scorer returns for England Sevens

England Sevens Coach Ben Ryan today (Tuesday) announced his 12 man squad for the next two events in the IRB World Seven Series in New Zealand on the 1 & 2 February and the USA on the 9 & 10 February 2008.

Returning to the squad is Ben Gollings (Toyota Shokki), the IRB World Sevens all time highest points scorer. Gollings has been playing for Japanese side Toyota Shokki since June 2007 and will return for England in the hope of adding to his 1613 tally.

Said coach Ben Ryan: "Selection has been very competitive and we have left some very good players at home for the next two legs of the IRB World Sevens Series.

"Alongside Gollings, three other experienced sevens players also make a return. Harlequin Danny Care, outstanding in the final two tournaments last year makes a return to action, as does the electric Dominic Shabbo (London Irish) who returns following injury.  Powerhouse Leicester Tigers and England Saxons winger Ayoola Erinle (Leicester Tigers) also makes a return to the England Sevens squad after a seven year absence, having gained England Saxons honours in the meantime."

Seven of the twelve-strong squad have already represented England in the Emirates Airline Dubai and South Africa Sevens this season. The squad will once again be led by captain Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks).

Retaining the proven class of Anthony Elliot (Bristol Rugby), Simon Hunt (Ebbw Vale) and John Brake (Northampton Saints) , Ryan said, “The squad certainly looks to have the "X" factor, packed full of game breakers and if we continue to gel as we have, then our impact over these next two tournaments should be considerable. Young, exciting and all keen to make their mark."

England 12 man squad for the New Zealand and USA IRB World Sevens Series:

BANAHAN, Matt (Bath Rugby)
BRAKE, John (Northampton Saints)
CARE, Danny (Harlequins)
COLLINS, James (Worcester Warriors) *
DAMUDAMU, Isoa (British Army / Newbury)
ELLIOTT, Anthony (Bristol Rugby)
ERINLE, Ayoola (Leicester Tigers)
GOLLINGS, Ben (Toyota, Japan)
HUNT, Simon (Ebbw Vale)
SHABBO, Dominic (London Irish)
VILK, Andy (Sale Sharks, captain)
YOUNGS, Tom (Leicester Tigers)

* Uncapped

The New Zealand Sevens is on the 1 & 2 February the USA sevens is on the 9 & 10 February 2008. England are currently fifth in the IRB World Series with six tournaments still remaining.

For further information, player profiles or past results for England Sevens go to www.rfu.com/sevens

Ends