Congratulations to Ugo Monye and Kai Horstmann who have been selected for the England Sevens team to take part in the Emirates Airline IRB Sevens tournaments in Dubai and George next month. Head Coach Mike Friday named his squad today, promising the pair a fantastic opportunity to take part in two of the most exciting international tournaments in the world. <br /> <br />"It is always a great experience playing international sevens for England," said Horstmann, who became a regular member of the Sevens team at the latter end of last season. "England have never won in Dubai but everyone is pretty fired up to do well this year and start this World Cup season with a bang."<br /> <br />Monye is a regular on the international sevens circuit having represented England on ten occasions over the previous two seasons. He was part of the England squad who played in Dubai and George last season.
"I was fortunate enough to be part of the England team who won in South Africa last season and we will be keen to retain our trophy," said Monye. "I enjoy being involved in the England Sevens set-up. You get to play against some of the leading countries and travel the world. I can't wait!"
England depart for Dubai on Sunday night (28th November). The Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens begins on Thursday 2nd December where England will face Scotland, France and Uganda in the pool stages. The squad then travel to George in South Africa where they face Australia, Kenya and Ireland on 10th December. England won the George leg of the IRB Sevens last season beating New Zealand 38-14 in the final.
The full England Sevens squad for the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens (2nd & 3rd December) and the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens in George (10th & 11th December) is as follows::
Simon Amor (Gloucester)(Capt.)
Geoff Appleford (London Irish)
James Bailey (Gloucester)
Kai Hortsmann (NEC Harlequins)
Ugo Monye (NEC Harlequins)
Peter Richards (London Wasps)
Tony Roques (London Irish)
Paul Sampson (Worcester Warriors)
Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors)
Neil Starling (Northampton Saints)
Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons)
Rob Thirlby (Penzance & Newlyn)