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Much fancied HFW Wailers head into this Saturday’s opening leg of the inaugural National Sevens Series with a strong squad, following player registrations. 

Scotland Sevens international Scott Riddell is a household name with plenty of experience on the IRB Sevens World Series circuit and is joined by the likes of Jack Smales, David Akinluyi, and Aaron Meyers who have all been involved within the England Sevens camp.

Newcastle Falcons’ Luke Fielden and Joel Hodgson give further quality to squad along with Llanelli Scarlets wing Andrew Fenby and Bath’s Ross Batty.

In their fifth year of existence, the Wailers regularly compete across the world in Dubai, Amsterdam, Rome, Carrick and Newquay.

The outfit also enjoy special relationships with leading clubs across the UK, especially with the Guinness Premiership’s Newcastle Falcons.

“The Newcastle Falcons link started in 2006 in Dubai. We set up an arrangement with Kooga where we knew they had the tournaments to attend and the Falcons had some good quality players, so it was a two-way buy in,” says Director of Rugby Andy Howells.

“Now we have HFW on board as a main sponsor and we continue to provide a platform to be a great player development tool for players.”

In the past England Sevens’ Ollie Phillips, Micky Young, Tom Powell, and Harlequins’ Rory Clegg have all worn the Wailers shirt.

“The Series is where we want to be and wanted the landscape to go. The events are spread out over two months which suits us well and we won’t have travel across Europe to play, which has its advantages,” adds Howells

For the likes of Riddel, an opportunity to play on the invitational and festival sevens circuit is welcome relief from the monotony of his usual rugby routine.

“The nice thing about coming in to the invitational circuit from playing 15s day in and out is that you get to meet loads of different players and people.

“The social side is massive too and it is great to be part of such big and fun events. You get better weather, can enjoy some drinks post tournament and soak up the party atmosphere,” adds Riddel.

The Wailers have been drawn in Pool B for Saturday’s opening leg of the Series at Richmond RFC. There they will meet Olorun ID and guest side Esher, who have recently been promoted back to the Championship.

HFW Wailers Group B Fixtures - RugbyRocks

10:20 HFW Wailers v Olorun ID
11:40 HFW Wailers v Esher

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The National Sevens Series, in association with Ultimate Rugby Sevens, is supporting the Julian Starmer-Smith Lymphona Fund. To learn more about the charity and to donate go to http://www.justgiving.com/jssfund