England Sevens Fixtures - 1-2 Feb 2008 New Zealand

Record points scorer returns for England Sevens



England Sevens Coach Ben Ryan today (Tuesday) announced his 12 man squad for the next two events in the IRB World Seven Series in New Zealand on the 1 & 2 February and the USA on the 9 & 10 February 2008.



Returning to the squad is Ben Gollings (Toyota Shokki), the IRB World Sevens all time highest points scorer. Gollings has been playing for Japanese side Toyota Shokki since June 2007 and will return for England in the hope of adding to his 1613 tally.



Said coach Ben Ryan: "Selection has been very competitive and we have left some very good players at home for the next two legs of the IRB World Sevens Series.



"Alongside Gollings, three other experienced sevens players also make a return. Harlequin Danny Care, outstanding in the final two tournaments last year makes a return to action, as does the electric Dominic Shabbo (London Irish) who returns following injury. Powerhouse Leicester Tigers and England Saxons winger Ayoola Erinle (Leicester Tigers) also makes a return to the England Sevens squad after a seven year absence, having gained England Saxons honours in the meantime."



Seven of the twelve-strong squad have already represented England in the Emirates Airline Dubai and South Africa Sevens this season. The squad will once again be led by captain Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks).



Retaining the proven class of Anthony Elliot (Bristol Rugby), Simon Hunt (Ebbw Vale) and John Brake (Northampton Saints) , Ryan said, “The squad certainly looks to have the "X" factor, packed full of game breakers and if we continue to gel as we have, then our impact over these next two tournaments should be considerable. Young, exciting and all keen to make their mark."



England 12 man squad for the New Zealand and USA IRB World Sevens Series:



BANAHAN, Matt (Bath Rugby)
BRAKE, John (Northampton Saints)
CARE, Danny (Harlequins)
COLLINS, James (Worcester Warriors) *
DAMUDAMU, Isoa (British Army / Newbury)
ELLIOTT, Anthony (Bristol Rugby)
ERINLE, Ayoola (Leicester Tigers)
GOLLINGS, Ben (Toyota, Japan)
HUNT, Simon (Ebbw Vale)
SHABBO, Dominic (London Irish)
VILK, Andy (Sale Sharks, captain)
YOUNGS, Tom (Leicester Tigers)

* Uncapped



The New Zealand Sevens is on the 1 & 2 February the USA sevens is on the 9 & 10 February 2008. England are currently fifth in the IRB World Series with six tournaments still remaining.





Ends



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:01:15:19:25:04 by Kath..

Watch out for James Collins. One of the best young opensides in the country I tells ya!

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Uche gets England Sevens call up

Worcester Warriors' Uche Oduoza has been called up to the England Sevens Squad for the New Zealand and USA IRB World Sevens Series.

The winger will join Sixways team mate James Collins in the 12 man set-up in place of Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

Tom is suffering from a minor injury and will stay with his club to continue his rehabilitation.

The New Zealand competition is on February 1 & 2, while the USA event is on February 9 and 10.

England 12 man squad for the New Zealand and USA IRB World Sevens Series:



BANAHAN, Matt (Bath Rugby)
BRAKE, John (Northampton Saints)
CARE, Danny (Harlequins)
COLLINS, James (Worcester Warriors) *
DAMUDAMU, Isoa (British Army / Newbury)
ELLIOTT, Anthony (Bristol Rugby)
ERINLE, Ayoola (Leicester Tigers)
GOLLINGS, Ben (Toyota, Japan)
HUNT, Simon (Ebbw Vale)
SHABBO, Dominic (London Irish)
VILK, Andy (Sale Sharks, captain)
ODOUZA, UCHE (Worcester Warriors) *

* Uncapped



Uche Odouza

Club: Worcester Warriors
Position: Wing
Born: 15.10.86
Height 1.86cm
Weight 102kgs

Born in Manchester, Uche grew up in Exeter where he joined his local club side. He was spotted by Worcester’s Academy Manager whilst representing England at Under 18s level.



Uche made his debut for Worcester at the age of 17 and scored three tries. He has also represented England at U19s and was part of the 2006 England U21 World Cup squad.



If he wasn’t playing rugby then Uche would have taken up a career in Medicine. He names his car as his most prized possession and would most like to meet Muhammad Ali and Russell Brand.



Representative Honours: England U18 Commonwealth Youth Games 7s (2004), England U18 4 Nations (2004), England U19 6 Nations (2005), England U21 World Cup (2006)

We lost last time to Wales I think. Hope to revenge that.

Even if we do that we'll probably lose to Fiji so will have a tough QF

Are the Cook Islands any good?