England squads for Rugby World Cup Sevens
The England men’s and women’s sevens squads for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in South Africa have been named.
The tournament takes place at the iconic Cape Town Stadium and begins on Friday 9 September.
All 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams heading to Cape Town have been seeded based on points accrued across the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 and 2022.
Alex Davis captains the men’s side with former GB and England captain Tom Mitchell selected following his return in LA. Tom Bowen, who missed the 2018 World Cup due to injury is also selected.
Like in San Francisco four years ago, both the men’s and women’s tournament will operate in a ‘winner-takes-all’ knockout format.
Entering at the round of 16, Tony Roques’ side kick off their campaign on Friday and will play either Ireland or Portugal in the round of 16 (KO 14.39 local time/ 13.39 UK time).
Roques said: “The squad we’ve selected have worked incredibly hard in our preparations and we’re really looking forward to the World Cup in Cape Town.
“There is a good mix of youth and players who have vast experience on the biggest stages.
“This is a big opportunity for us as an England Sevens programme to show what we can do and end this current cycle on a high.”
Meanwhile, women’s head coach James Rodwell has selected 12 of the 13 players who formed the Commonwealth Games squad who competed in Birmingham in July.
Abbie Brown and Megan Jones co-captain the group.
They take on Spain in their opening round of 16 match (14.16 local time/13.16 UK time)
Rodwell said: “All players and staff are really excited to be here in Cape Town for the World Cup.
“There hasn’t been a sevens tournament here since 2019 and to have the opportunity to play in an England shirt will be amazing.
“The format is slightly different with being straight knock-out so all our focus is on the first game against Spain.
“We’ve had a good few weeks of training since the Commonwealth Games where we were a little bit disappointed with some of our results and this is a chance to go out and make everyone proud of our performances.
“The squad is made up of the same group who competed in Birmingham, with one change due to the 12-player squad size.
“For me on a personal note, it’s the last tournament I’ll be involved in on the sevens circuit as I step away from the game.
“The last 15 years have been incredible from my playing days to coaching the men’s and women’s teams and most recently as head coach of England Women.
“These are an incredible group of athletes and staff to work with and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity. I have missed one tournament in 15 years and it’s time to spend more time with my young family.
“It’s been a difficult decision. I am excited to lead the team this weekend. Our aim is to make England proud as the programme moves to Great Britain which is a new chapter for the home unions and one I’ll be closely following from home.”
England men’s Sevens squad
Jamie Adamson
Api Bavadra
Jamie Barden
Tom Bowen
Alex Davis (C)
Tom Emery
Will Homer
Charlton Kerr
Tom Mitchell
Calum Randle
Freddie Roddick
Ethan Waddleton
England women’s sevens squad
Ellie Boatman
Abbie Brown (CC)
Heather Cowell
Grace Crompton
Meg Jones (CC)
Alicia Maude
Isla Norman-Bell
Celia Quansah
Jade Shekells
Lauren Torley
Emma Uren
Amy Wilson Hardy