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Page last updated at 18:29 GMT, Thursday, 19 February 2009

England name Dubai Sevens squad

Tom Varndell
Varndell scored two tries for England Saxons in the 31-13 win over Ireland A

Tom Varndell has been included in the England Sevens squad for next month's World Cup in Dubai.

The Leicester winger was dropped from the senior England squad by manager Martin Johnson after he lost his place in the Tigers team.

The squad also includes Sevens veterans Ben Gollings and Andy Vilk.

England's Sevens team, captained by Newcastle's Ollie Phillips, head into the World Cup level with South Africa at the top of the IRB Series table.

Varndell, 23, was named player of the tournament at the Dubai Sevens in 2005 and will look to try and force his way back into England's senior squad with a good performance in Dubai.

England coach Ben Ryan admitted he is confident going into the tournament and said he is delighted with the squad at his disposal.

606: DEBATE

"I am immensely proud of the squad's successes so far this season," he said.

"This is one of England Sevens' most successful periods, reaching four of the last five finals going into a World Cup is unbelievably exciting.

"We have a terrific blend of hard work and ability in a very humble squad and I can't think of a group of people that I would rather go into such a momentous tournament with."


England Sevens squad for the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens:

Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs); Tom Biggs (Leeds Carnegie); Chris Cracknell (Exeter Chiefs); Isoa Damudamu (British Army/London Wasps); Josh Drauniniu (Royal Navy/Exeter Chiefs); Ben Gollings (Gold Coast, Australia); Ollie Phillips (captain, Newcastle Falcons); James Rodwell (Moseley RFC); Charlie Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby); Tom Varndell (Leicester Tigers); Rob Vickerman (Leeds Carnegie); Andy Vilk (Benetton Treviso).



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see also
England lose Dubai Sevens final
29 Nov 08 |  Rugby Union
World Cup Sevens plans announced
16 Aug 07 |  Rugby Union


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