Paul is a key member of England's Sevens squad

Paul's club Gloucester have refused to release the inspirational centre for the tournament as they want him to play in the league match against Sale.

And Tietjens said: "England will miss Henry badly. We have found it very difficult to contain him.

"He really deserved to be named Player of the Tournament last year."

The club versus country row has overshadowed England's bid to claim another Hong Kong triumph.

However England captain Simon Amor says, despite Paul's absence, his side are more than capable of securing victory.

"It would have been nice to have had Henry with us. But I believe we can still win this tournament without him," he said.

England are currently second in the overall standings after four legs of the Sevens circuit, 16 points behind New Zealand.

Pool A: New Zealand, Italy, USA, Japan
Pool B: England, Georgia, Scotland, China
Pool C: South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands, Thailand
Pool D: Fiji, Canada, Hon Kong, Portugal
Pool E: Argentina, France, Korea, Singapore
Pool F: Samoa, Australia, Namibia, Chinese Taipei