Dubai: Simon Amor has named his England Sevens squad for the opening tournament of the 2017/18 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series kicking off at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens this weekend.
Drawn in Pool B, the experienced side — captained by Tom Mitchell — will play; Spain, France and Scotland on day one. The squad features a strong contingent of players who consistently competed on the World Series last season and were instrumental to England’s second place finish. England have won in Dubai four-times in 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011, but have never won the World Series, finishing second four times in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2017.
“There’s a lot of excitement about the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens, which in addition to the World Series makes this a huge season for sevens,” said Amor. “For us to build momentum going into these pivotal tournaments it’s important for us to focus on giving our very best performance in Dubai as the number one priority.
“After a long pre-season for our senior players we’ve prepared well and want to kick-start this season in a really positive way.”
Harry Glover, who made his World Series debut in Las Vegas in March, is named for Dubai, with Amor adding: “After impressing on the World Series at the back end of last year and in the recent academy tournaments, it’s fantastic to have Harry Glover involved in the senior squad for Dubai.
“Harry has shown some outstanding touches as a player which we’re excited to see him translate onto the world stage in Dubai.”
Injuries to Dan Bibby (left arm) and Alex Davis (left hand) mean that the pair will not represent England for this tournament while they continue their rehabilitation.
“It’s disappointing that we have a couple of injuries in Alex and Dan who will both hopefully be back for Sydney and Hamilton, but this provides a great opportunity for Ben Howard who was brilliant for us in Munich at the Oktoberfest Sevens recently,” said Amor. “We’re grateful to Worcester Warriors for their support in releasing Ben for his first World Series tournament.”
For the first time two men’s and women’s teams will travel to Dubai to represent the England Sevens programme across the World Series and in the Invitation Tournament. Captained by Charlie Hayter, the England Sevens men’s academy will compete under the banner of The Royals where they will play Free Sevens, Speranza 22, and Zambia 7s.
On the Invitation Tournament, Amor said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to defend the title that The Royals won last year out in Dubai, but more importantly our academy programme is set up to find and develop young talent both within and outside of the England Sevens programme.
“It’s great to get some of the university boys involved and the tournament will also provide Charlie Hayter with some consistent game time as he makes his return from injury.”
The Dubai Sevens takes place from November 30 to December 2 at the Sevens Stadium. Tickets cost Dh400 per day or Dh300 in advance, and admission is free for the Thursday. Meanwhile season-tickets cost Dh600 on the day or Dh500 in advance. Children Under-12 go free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.dubairugby7s.com or selected outlets including Costa, The Toy Store, Hallmark, Prosport, Virgin MegaStores, Park n Shop and Go Sports. Special reserved seating and corporate hospitality packages are also available via the website and Emirates Skyward Members can redeem tickets for the event using their Miles and should visit the sports and culture section of Skywards at www.emirates.com to avail.
