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The Commonwealth Games may be 74 days away but England Sevens preparations are well underway with the side currently in camp at Bisham Abbey, one of the UK's National Sports Centres.

After watching the squad put through their paces, UR7s’ Robin Heymann chewed the fat with London Wasps and England winger, Christian Wade.

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Christian, you achieved a great deal last year in your first season as a full-time professional?

To be with the sevens was great. It was an exciting year, starting off in Dubai and then being top-scorer in George a week later. Getting the chance to play in Wellington, Vegas and Hong Kong was incredible. Playing at these big events with big crowds has definitely benefitted me.

How difficult was it to play at the London Sevens one week then go straight to the England Under-20 squad in Argentina (15-a-side) the next?

Going from sevens to a full 80 minute international was pretty demanding as I hadn’t played for that long and at that intensity for a while. It took me some time to cope with it but it wasn’t too bad to make the transition.
 

What are the major challenges in switching between sevens and fifteens?

It's the positioning really. That is the main factor. The basic skills are the same and with sevens your skills are really honed so that obviously helps hugely. Decision-making, attacking and defending all seem to crossover and it hasn’t hindered me.

So what’s the plan this season; Wasps 1st XV or England Sevens?!

Both really! From now until October I really want to get my name in the mix for Commonwealth Games and win a medal. Following that I will look to improve my 15s game, through sevens hopefully. If that is not possible then I will just have to develop my 15s game by getting as much game time as possible.

What would it mean to you to be part of the Commonwealth Games?

It means a huge deal with the Commonwealths being a global sports event. To represent England and join up with other sports is a big thing. To win a medal would be a huge.

Is it comforting to see so many familiar faces in this year’s squad?

It’s great to see so many of the boys from last year and knowing each other already can be a big help. A couple of guys are not here as they been awarded new contracts with Premiership clubs so congrats to them. It is good to see that continuity.

And a couple of fresh players joining the set-up?

That’s right, it’s good to see an injection of a few new players. We know many of the new guys from the relatively small rugby world, so they are familiar also. We’re close-knit which is important.

And what about the training ground surroundings here at Bisham Abbey?

Bisham Abbey is a great place. The facilities are awesome. A top notch gym and great pitches with good accommodation and food. The good weather at the moment tops it all off really.

As a former sprinter yourself, it must be great to rub shoulders with other athletes here at Bisham?

It inspires you mixing with other athletes and people like Kelly Sotherton who are around the place. It acts as a motivation for the Commonwealth Games.

Aren’t you doing some extra sprint work with a former 200m Commonwealth Games gold medallist?!

Yep! I’ve just hooked up with my old sprint coach Julian Golding and I’ll be heading out to Lea Valley to sharpen up my speed. I’ve been off the field for a few months and last season I was so busy I didn’t get a chance to do much of that. I want to make an extra effort this season with it.

Any other skills you want to improve on?

Well my handling is something I want to make the effort with and also my defence.

Do you feel in your second season you might be a marked man?

At the end of last season I certainly noticed that in that some of the games. The way I play is quite unorthodox and it is hard to read sometimes. If I can fine-tune those skills I hope can perform well again.

You must be the envy of your teenage contemporaries, travelling the world playing rugby?

Yeah they are proud of me so far so it’s good to get the support. It’s positive from everyone and some wish they could play rugby all day also! I don’t think they sometimes understand the hard work that goes into playing sevens. It’s not a holiday we are constantly training.

Who is the most entertaining character in the squad?!

Dan ‘Strawbs’ Norton likes to think he is the banter king and keeps sprits high in the camp. Although some of his chat is debatable! It all helps with team spirit. Banter amongst the squad is important in sevens especially when you are away.