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Ireland, Scotland, and Wales all head to the World Cup Sevens in Dubai with arguably their strongest and most experienced squads possible.

Scotland’s most notable inclusion is full international Rob Dewey, whilst coach Stephen Gemmell has also been boosted by the return to fitness of former captain Scott Forrest ahead of the Dubai tournament on 5-7 March. Colin Gregor, who appeared at the previous Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong four years ago, takes the reins as skipper.

“It gives everyone a lift to bring someone like Rob Dewey into the squad. He is a big physical player with full international experience and has shown he can perform at the highest level,” said Gemmell.

"It's also a massive boost to have Scott Forrest back. His involvement speaks volumes for his determination and the tremendous amount of work he has put in with the medical staff since he suffered a dislocated, fractured ankle back at the beginning of November.

With Ireland not regularly on IRB Sevens Series they will be keen to make a statement in Dubai. The most notable inclusion in the squad has to be former Great Britain Rugby League star Brian Carney. The Munster winger, who is also a full fifteen-a-side international, is joined in the squad by future club teammate Felix Jones and Ulster scrum-half Paul Marshall. The Irish have been placed in the pool of death with Australia, Samoa, and Portugal joining them in the desert.

“It's not an easy task whatsoever but the benefit we have is that we're going to be a surprise package,” said coach John Skurr.

"Nobody has seen us play. We can use that to our advantage. We've done a lot of work together and we're hoping to surprise some people and turn a few of the big teams over."

Despite a disappointing run in San Diego, Welsh coach Paul John is happy with his squads form ahead of next weekend’s big one. "We performed well as a squad in Wellington, with wins over New Zealand and Fiji," said John.

Neath back row man Lee Beach will captain the side that will face Argentina, Zimbabwe and Uruguay in the Pool stages.

Tal Selley, Richie Pugh and Aled Brew have all won full Wales caps, while last season's Wales U20 scrum-half Rhys Webb is the youngest in the squad. Webb made his Wales Sevens debut at the recent IRB Sevens World Series tournament in Wellington. "We have kept the same squad together for the Rugby World Cup Sevens which we believe is our strongest available squad, and Richie Pugh brings added knowledge and experience to the group.

“The key for us is to keep a consistency in our performances – our aim is to reach the Cup quarter-finals and if we do that, anything can happen,” added John.