Arabian Gulf name Sevens squad

Dubai: The Arabian Gulf squad that will compete in the Dubai Rugby Sevens tournament has been named.

Coach Mike Lunjevich has looked to add some experience to the 12-stong squad for this weekend's Emirates Airlines IRB Dubai Sevens 2008.

Marcus Smith makes a return to Gulf Sevens duty after a four year absence from international duty.

His Dubai Exiles teammate Dave Clark returns to the team on the back of a strong year in the 15-player game that has seen him performing well for his club and national teams.

Clark first played for the Gulf in 1999 with his last run out in Gulf colours in the shortened version of the game in Dubai being in 2005.

Smith has an equally experienced resume in the Dubai Sevens, first playing in the event in a social team as a teenager in 1994.

Debut

He made his full Gulf debut in 2001 and has won titles at the old Al Awir ground with the international invitational team Quality Street.

Coach Lunjevich will be more than happy to have the services of the supremely fit Smith who can be utilised in a number of playing positions ranging from prop to wing.

Dubai Dragons utility player Sean Hurley has worked hard in recent months and earned his spot on the roster after undergoing shoulder reconstruction surgery five months ago.

The popular team member was a patient sideline observer while he underwent intensive rehabilitation and has impressed the Gulf coaching staff with his determination and commitment since returning to the playing field in recent weeks.

Squad

Arabian Gulf team for the Emirates Airlines IRB Dubai Sevens 2008:

Stephen Cooper (Capt) Dubai Exiles RFC

Dave Clark Dubai Exiles RFC

Dan Patching Dubai Exiles RFC

Francois Coutzer Dubai Exiles RFC

Marcus Smith Dubai Exiles RFC

Chris Gregory Dubai Hurricanes RFC

Josh Sherin Dubai Hurricanes RFC

Sean Hurley Dubai Dragons RFC

Cory Oliver Dubai Dragons RFC

Stuart Gibb Dubai Dragons RFC