Strong line-up for sevens

Monye: Set to feature for Quins

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The countdown to the new English rugby union season continues with the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham on Saturday.

This year's tournament features six past winners while England, Scotland and Wales will compete under charity banners as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games in the autumn.

England's Help for Heroes outfit will be led by national sevens coach Ben Ryan and face Saracens, who recently won a sevens tournament, in the first round.

Scotland have also been handed a tough contest with the British Army - the winners in 2001 and 2004.

Wales have been drawn against Harlequins, who will include England trio Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Nick Easter. Coach Paul John thinks the competition will be fierce at Twickenham.

"The competition will be the start of our build-up to a busy season in sevens with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner," he said.

Top clubs

"But there are some top English Premiership clubs in the tournament and sides like Kenya, Samurai and the British Army, who are regulars on the circuit.

"England will also be strong, as always, having gone down the 100 per cent professional route with their players. They will be well-prepared in front of the Twickenham faithful."

Defending champions London Irish include the likes of Delon Armitage, Paul Hodgson and Sailosi Tagicakibau and will face Leicester in the opening round.

Wasps will benefit from experienced sevens player such as Tom Varndell and David Lemi when they face Newcastle in the second all-Premiership tie.

The Falcons won the competition three years ago and also bring a strong squad containing England sevens internationals Micky Young, Rob Vickerman and Charlie Amesbury.

HFW Wailers play Exeter, Kenya take on Leeds Carnegie and White Hart Marauders face Samurai International in the remaining first round matches.