June 2008
England ended this season’s IRB Sevens World Series on a high after reaching the final in Murrayfield to conclude what has been a roller coaster journey.

Starting in Dubai, where they narrowly missed out on a cup final spot due to a disallowed try against Fiji in the semis, England have had moments of glory and misery, finishing fifth overall in the IRB World Rankings.

Reaching the Cup quarter finals in Hong Kong and overcoming the mighty All Blacks in London to reach the Cup semi finals were all highlights for coach Ben Ryan’s young guns.

Players who have represented England Sevens this season and gone on to play for England or England Saxons include: Tom Guest (Harlequins), Ben Foden (Sale Sharks), Danny Care (Harlequins) and Bath Rugby’s Matt Banahan.

England had come from the depths of despair in Adelaide where they lost all their matches and scored no points, to the glory of Murrayfield where they defeated South Africa and Wales to restore their pride, reach the Cup final and face New Zealand once again.

England couldn’t quite equal their London Cup quarter final performance which saw them beat the All Blacks 17-12 but Ryan was encouraged by his team’s performance.

“This is our first final this season and a lot of the process is about getting used to playing in the big games,” said Ryan. “Twelve months ago when I took charge we got absolutely battered by New Zealand, so this shows how far we have come.

“England can be a real force next season. In the next World Series and the World Cup in Dubai England will hopefully be right up there at the top of the tree.”