By Richard Prescott

Having won three legs of the IRB Sevens tournament against New Zealand’s two last season, the England Sevens squad is already preparing to challenge for the number one ranking in the next contest, New Zealand having secured the last title on points.

England Sevens Coach, Joe Lydon, recently announced seven of the ten core squad members to represent England and said, “All seven have experienced sevens international rugby and made a major contribution to our success over the last two seasons. The remaining three places will be filled from a wider squad to be announced at the end of September following further discussions with each club Director of Rugby, Club England Managers and the National Academy Manager.

“Our aim in 2003/04 continues to be the improved performance of both the individual and the squad. We have a solid and experienced platform from which to build and further develop.

“We will, once again, be targeting key tournaments within the series following the success of last year’s campaign but our long term goal must be to identify and enhance players for the 15-a-side game at the highest level.”
 
ENGLAND SEVENS CORE SQUAD:
Simon Amor, Gloucester
Ugo Monye, NEC Harlequins
Phil Dowson, Newcastle Falcons
Ben Gollings, Newcastle Falcons
Rob Thirlby, Penzance & Newlyn
Richard Haughton, Saracens
Tony Roques, Saracens