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RugbyRocks winners Samurai International believe that their relentless work ethic is a major factor for winning tight matches.

Samurai’s win at the opening leg of inaugural National Sevens Series means they top the overall standings, picking up a maximum 20 points at Richmond.

The second leg of the Series kicks off on Saturday (June 19) at the West Country Sevens, hosted by Keynsham RFC. 

Samurai came from behind in the group stages against Apache and also overcame a three-try deficit to beat Esher in last weekend’s Cup final.

“We always back ourselves and never doubt our teammates. We have an ethic at Samurai when you know literally the guy next to you will keep going till he has nothing left,” said Simon Hunt, RugbyRocks’ Player of the Tournament.

Hunt raced in for niNe tries overall with the England Sevens winger one of the most feared finishers on the invitational circuit.

“Yeah I’m enjoying it and hoping the good form continues to be honest. The people behind Samurai have helped me out lots over the years so it is great if I can keep contributing on the pitch.

“Our team bond is good and after a poor start we knew we had to up our work rate. In other tournaments you might get to cruise through the earlier stages, but on the National Series every game has been really close and hard fought.”

Samurai head into the West Country leg as top seeds and have been drawn with Raging Bull Ronin and Apache in Group A. Hunt recognises that with Samurai now out in front, other sides will be particularly keen for their scalp.

“It comes with the territory really with Samurai. We have a few recognisable players and people want to beat us!

“All the boys at the end of RugbyRocks were literally saying they can’t wait for the West Country Sevens. These are quality tournaments and they are happening thick and fast. You’re with your mates playing a sport you love. Tons of people come down and watch and there is so much going on outside of the rugby,” added Hunt.

Coaching class

As well as attracting some leading names from the world of sevens, Samurai often look to install coaches with international pedigree. England Sevens assistant coach Russell Earnshaw took the reins at RugbyRocks, with a strong backroom team expected for the rest of the Series.

“We will try and keep the core of these players together and then there will be a couple of new guys coming in for the West Country Sevens,” said Earnshaw.

“From an England point of view, it is good for Ben (Ryan, England Sevens coach) and I to see players playing here. It’s a definite step-up from the other tournaments on the invitational circuit.”

Earnshaw also admitted that he had enjoyed the responsibility of overseeing Samurai, with many coaches using the position as stepping stone for working in the international arena of the IRB Sevens World Series.

“It’s also nice for me personally to get out there and put my own stamp on things from a coaching perspective without Ben, I‘ve really enjoyed it so far.”

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