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ULR Samurai International have named a side for Middlesex 7s that features 12 completely new players from the side that won the tournament last year against London Irish in the final.

That being said, the Samurai have put together a side that would rival any of the international sides on the IRB World Series with only 2 of their squad members not having played international 7s.

Not to do the 2 players in questions a misjustice and proving the strength of Samurai, Warwick Lahmert and Micheal Tambour have both represented Taranaki in New Zealand and the former has been an integral part of the Samurai Barracudas side that recently won Rugby Rocks, Newquay Surf Sevens and the overall Super Sevens Series title.

In truly a side that represents all corners of the rugby globe the only englishman in the squad is UR7s columnist Andy Vilk who returns to Twickenham, the home of the side he used to lead out regularly; England 7s. Alongside Vilk, spectators will also get to see Scottish 7s international Micheal Fedo, Welsh 7s exponent Gav Dacey and GB Students 7s flyer Ed Telwright.

Captaining the side will be former New Zealand 7s star Edwin Cocker and he will be joined by compatriot and star of the IRB World 7s series Lote Raikabula. Both Kiwis played last weekend in setting the field of Newquay Surf 7s alight. 

Not lacking some islander physicality, the Samurai have also named Fiji 7s stars; Watisoni Votu, David Batiratu and Livai Koroigasagasa who will certainly guarantee some quality ball for the flyers outwide. Finally making his return to Twickenham is former Australian 7s captain Tim Walsh who is currently playing out in Italy.

The Samurai brand have had another fantastic summer winning Bury St. Edmunds, Manchester, Rugby Rocks, Newquay Surf 7s and falling in the semi-final of the Amsterdam 7s. The one blot on their work this summer was a poor showing at the West Country 7s where they were knocked into the plate by Apache.

The side will be coached by former England 7s coaches and players, Mike Friday and Phil Greening and will be managed by John Elliott

ULR Samurai International Squad for Middlesex 7s

1. Ed Cocker (NZ 7s)
2. Lote Raikabula (NZ 7s)
3. Michael Tambour (Taranaki 7s)
4. Warwick Lahmert (Taranaki 7s)
5. Watisoni Votu (Fiji 7s)
6. David Batiratu (Fiji 7s)
7. Livai Koroigasagasa (Fiji 7s)
8. Tim Walsh (Australia 7s)
9. Andy Vilk (England 7s)
10. Ed Telwright (GB Students 7s)
11. Michael Fedo (Scotland 7s)
12. Gav Dacey (Wales 7s)

Samurai International will play their first round fixture at 12:50pm against the Olorun Sharks