By Mally (25/03/03)
March 26 2003

Two Newcastle Falcons have flown out with the England Sevens squad, ready to take part in the up coming Hong Kong Sevens tournament. Falcons' young back rower Phil Dowson broke into the England Sevens squad earlier this season and for this trip has been joined by Jamie Noon, who was part of last year's victorious Hong Kong Sevens.

Last year's 33 - 20 victory over Fiji was the first time England had won the title. In addition to Noon six other members of that winning squad are returning to defend the title, Simon Amor, Geoff Appleford, Phil Greening, Richard Haughton, Henry Paul and Tony Roques.

England are currently third in the world rankings and with double points on offer for the Hong Kong tournament the England coach Joe Lydon is hopeful about England's chances and is pleased withthe squad's progress.

"We wanted to use the first tournaments (Dubai and George) to assess our players and we then targeted the next two tournaments. We did well and had a better balanced squad together and everything went well. We’re pleased with the way things have fallen into place."

Sevens is now seen is an important part of the grooming process for up and coming England players, James Simpson-Daniel, James Forrester and Josh Lewsey have all been part of the squad in the past. The inclusion of Phil Dowson this season is a sign that he is seen as a potential England player, and for Jamie Noon (pictured) it is yet another chance for him to prove his worth to the England management in the run up to the World Cup.

The first England matches are on Friday 28th March and Saturday 29th March when they face Singapore, Kenya and a third team (not confirmed) in the group stage of the competition. Sunday, March 30 sees both the knock out stages and the final.

France, Italy and Argentina have all withdrawn from this year's tournament as there has been an "outbreak of a virulent virus" in Hong Kong, over 300 people have been affected and 10 have died. However having consulted with the World Health Organisation and taken advice on the current security situation England has decided not to withdraw. The vacant tournament slots have been offered to The Netherlands, Tonga and Namibia.

Phil Dowson is to stay with the squad for the Beijing Sevens, while Jamie Noon will fly home in time for the Gloucester match on April 12th. Gloucester's Henry Paul will also be returning for the club match.

IRB World Sevens Series Standings (top 10):

1 New Zealand 68pts
2 Fiji 56
3 England 46
4 Australia 44
5 Samoa 36
6 South Africa 32
7 France 20
8 Argentina 20
9 Kenya 4
10 Wales 4

England Sevens squad - Hong Kong

Simon Amor (Gloucester), Geoff Appleford (London Irish), Matt Cannon (London Irish), Phil Dowson (Newcastle Falcons), Phil Greening (London Wasps), Richard Haughton (Saracens), Paul Hodgson (Bristol Shoguns), John Howard (Northampton Saints), Magnus Lund (The Sharks), Ugo Monye (NEC Harlequins), Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons), Henry Paul (Gloucester), Tony Roques (Saracens), Rob Thirlby (Rotherham).

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