England head coach Ben Ryan has increased his full-time squad to 16 for next season¿s HSBC Sevens World Series.
Core squad now 16 strong; Earnshaw handed coaching deal
England head coach Ben Ryan has increased his full-time squad to 16 for next season's HSBC Sevens World Series.
With 2012/13 season culminating with the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, Ryan has added Dan Bibby (UWIC), James Lightfoot-Brown (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Mitchell (Oxford University), Marcus Watson (Saracens), Jeff Williams (RC Chateaurenard), Mike Ellery (Moseley) and Jack Preece (Birmingham Solihull) to his squad.
Former Birmingham and Solihull director of rugby Russell Earnshaw is also handed a permanent deal after previously acting as assistant coach in a part-time capacity.
However former captain Greg Barden, who has retired, hooker Simon Hunt and wing Nick Royle all leave the set-up.
Momentm
"Being able to keep the bulk of this season's squad together and add new faces is good news for us in terms of maintaining momentum, increasing competition and driving up standards," said Ryan.
"We believe we can maximise their potential and turn them into world-class sevens players. Some of the new full-time players have already gained experience in the HSBC Sevens World Series; others will make their debuts in Europe this summer and they're all part of the next chapter for England Sevens."
Former England Under-20 internationals Sam Edgerley and Mark Odejobi, who are both in higher education, remain on Ryan's radar - and could come into the squad during the year.
However Isoa Damudamu is unlikely feature he dislocated his left knee and damaged ligaments playing for the Army against the Navy. Damudamu's rehabilitation following surgery is expected to take at least a year.
England Sevens: Dan Bibby, John Brake, Chris Brightwell, Chris Cracknell, Mike Ellery, Christian Lewis-Pratt, James Lightfoot-Brown, Tom Mitchell, Dan Norton, Tom Powell, Jack Preece, James Rodwell, Mathew Turner, Rob Vickerman, Marcus Watson, Jeff Williams.
