Aidan Kearney's mobility will be useful

Because of the heavy itinerary this season by their top players, Ireland have not been able to enter previous tournaments.

Unlike England and the southern hemisphere teams, Ireland are not blessed with a large pool of players at the top end of the game.

However, the International Rugby Board have insisted that they participate in at least two tournaments this season.

After Twickenham, the squad will remain together and move to Cardiff for the next leg.

Team manager Kurt McQuilkan expects a real tough time.

''It's is a bit unfortunate,'' he said.

'Great experience'

''But Ireland just have not got the players.

''It was would be nice to have the likes of Brian O'Driscoll and Denis Hickie on board.

''But even then, we probably would not live with the rest of the sides as their players have played regularly throughout the nine tournaments.

''But at least it will be a great experience for the players.''

Coach of the side is former Ireland flanker Denis McBride who has to conjure a way to stop group opponents South Africa, France and Argentina running amok.

Ireland's opponents in Cardiff are the New Zealand, Argentina again and Scotland.

Ireland Sevens squad: D Quinlan (Blackrock), A Kearney (Dungannon), A McCullen (Landowne), P Neville (Garryowen), K Campbell (Dungannon), P Wallace (Ballymena), J McWeeney (St Mary's), J Ferris (Blackrock), C Dowling (Strawberry Hill), B Burke (Barnhall).