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more »National Series grants Apache wish for UK sevens
Thames Valley based Apache are looking forward to gaining exposure on the ‘main stage’ when the National Sevens Series kicks off at Saturday’s RugbyRocks (June 12).
The club face potential favourites Samurai International in their opening fixture in Richmond with guest team Irish Raiders also in Group D.
Apache have played in numerous tournaments already this year, noticeably making the semi-finals in Windsor and Sunshine, before struggling at Bury and the London Rugby Festival. Back in December they performed well at the International Invitational competition at the famous Dubai Sevens.
A high turnover of players has given player-manager Adam Hurst ample opportunity to make judgements on players he feels can cope with the rigours of elite level sevens.
Richard Briggs has a wealth of experience for various teams and has been involved with Ireland Sevens before.
Sandy Reid and James Greenwood are both Cambridge Blues and have already travelled with their University to Casablanca, Melrose, and Bury to play sevens this season.
Luke Burns, Tom Burns, and Will Woodward are Apache regulars themselves and can all be expected at RugbyRocks. Interestingly James Hawken has also been selected, who along with his father, run the Newquay Surf Sevens , the final leg of the National Sevens Series taking place on July 17.
England Sevens’ Chris Cracknell and England age groups and Wellington College wunderkind Sam Edgerley have also been registered and could feature later on in the summer.
“It is always difficult selecting squads, as you want to show loyalty to guys that have played with you through thick and thin and reward them,” says Adam Hurst.
“But for the National Series, to attempt to be on a level playing field I have had to go out and do some digging and bring in quality players. It is a blending of the two. It is a tough ask as there are good teams out there, but we can put in big performances along the way.”
Hurst founded Apache with his brother in 1998 at the International Henley Sevens with the side becoming Apache in 2000.
“I’m very glad the National Sevens Series is taking place and I’m very happy to be associated with this. I’ve hoped this would happen to sevens in the UK for a long time that the game would be formalised.”
“A structure like this gives my team and players a great main stage to play on this summer on our 10th year as Apache!” added Hurst.
Apache Group A Fixture - RugbyRocks
11:00 Samurai International v Apache
13:40 Apache v Irish Raiders
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The National Sevens Series, bought to you by 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
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