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Express Varndell in for World Cup

Thursday 19 February 2009 (RFU)

Tom Varndell will be back in action for England Sevens after being named in the squad for this year's Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Dubai on the 5-7th of March.

The England International (4 caps) and Leicester Tigers star last played for the England Sevens side in the 2006 Commonwealth Games when he picked up a silver medal. But next month the England speedster will be hoping to go one better in Dubai, the same country where his ten try tournament tally earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' award on his sevens debut in 2005. Although currently out of favour with the selectors at Leicester, opposition defences will be wary of a player described by New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens as the fastest thing he has ever seen on a rugby pitch.

Varndell joins an experienced squad that has performed consistently in this seasons IRB Sevens World Series walking away with the title in Wellington and runners-up spots in Dubai and San Diego.

Ollie Phillips retains his position as Captain and will once again be ably supported by the ever present sevens guru himself Ben Gollings. Isoa Damudamu who was carrying a rib injury in San Diego is deemed fit enough to train and coach Ben Ryan has also recalled Royal Navy and Exeter Chiefs’ exciting winger Josh Drauniniu back to the squad.

"I am immensely proud of the squad's successes so far this season. This is one of England Sevens' most successful periods, reaching four of the last five finals going into a World Cup is unbelievably exciting,” said Ryan.

"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."

Alongside South Africa, England currently top the IRB Sevens Series rankings on 60 points, their highest ever half way point position, and are eight clear of third-placed New Zealand.

England Sevens Squad
RWC Sevens 2009

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 (BenettonTreviso).

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