11  February 2008

England miss out in San Diego

England exit day two of the IRB USA Sevens after losing their Cup quarter final against Kenya.

England had an impressive first day in San Diego winning all three of their pool matches against Mexico, USA and South Africa.

Outstanding performers Ben Gollings (Toyota), Anthony Elliott (Bristol Rugby), Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby) and Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs) all contributed to England's first day victories.

Isoa Damudamu (Newbury/Army) inspired the win against USA with a fantastic performance but unfortunately was ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

England faced Kenya on day two in the Cup quarter final but they couldn't match their day one performances and missed out on a Cup semi final place by losing 7-17.

Faced with the Plate semi final and Fiji England fought hard but once again lost out and went down 21-14 to go out of the competition.

Said coach Ben Ryan, "We suffered a lot of humility on the first day of the New Zealand tournament but we worked hard this week and I'm really pleased for the players they have regained respect.
"There's a certain amount you can do as the coach but the players have to go out there and play and on day one that's exactly what they did.

"Isoa fell awkwardly and I think he might have dislocated his shoulder, which would be a massive blow to us and to him," added Ryan.

"I think he's the best forward in world sevens rugby so it was a massive blow when he came off."

England will now look forwards to the IRB Hong Kong Sevens which is the half way point of the series on the 28, 29 & 30 March 2008.

England's IRB USA Sevens results:

Pool
England 48-0 Mexico
England 28-21 USA
South Africa 10-14 England

Cup quarter final
England 7-17 Kenya

Plate semi final
Fiji 21-14 England

Watch England in their only home tournament at Twickenham on 24th & 25th May. Tickets from £10 www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ends