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South Africa legend Marius Schoeman will captain National Series champions ULR Samurai International at the upcoming Middlesex Sevens (August 14).

The hugely experienced Schoeman came out of retirement last season to represent the Boks once more on the IRB Sevens World Series. He was an integral part of  Paul Treu’s victorious 2008/9 squad that captured a maiden World Series crown.

Schoeman is no stranger to the Samurai set-up having been part of the side that finished runners-up to London Irish at last year’s Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham.

“We are delighted to have Marius on board for this world-famous tournament,” said Samurai Founder Terry Sands
“Having played for us before, he knows what is required in terms of effort and performance and his experience, versatility and professionalism make him an ideal leader for the Samurai as we look to continue our success on the back of the National Series victory.”

Mark Bright, who has led the side for most of the summer, is another player who confirmed for August 14.

National Series delight

Samurai have interestingly been drawn with invitational rivals White Hart Marauders in the first round of the knockout-style tournament.

The pair last met in the final round of the National Sevens Series in Newquay, where the Marauders gained a shock 12-7 semi-final win, making the Twickenham showdown a must-see rematch.

The result almost derailed Samurai’s Series aspirations, but Sands’ side held on to grab the overall inaugural title due to the British Army not gaining the required 46 points difference in the Cup final.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic we came through, it went right down to the wire in the end,” added Sands.

“It was nail-biting watching the Army in the final and when they went 24-0 at half-time I just felt it wasn’t going to happen for us.

“We believe we do things differently to other sevens teams out there. We have a great team spirit. We stick together and bond in the build up to tournaments and they are the kind of things which can make a difference in close games.”