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Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks are the latest sides to announce their squad ahead of this weekend’s Middlesex Sevens event.

The Falcons won Middlesex Sevens back in 2007 and have added a strong squad including a number of players with International Sevens experience.

Rob Vickerman, who was instrumental on the IRB World Sevens Series for England last season, will captain the side on his debut having signed from Leeds over the summer.

Scott Riddell, another seasoned Sevens player having helped Scotland to win the Plate at this year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, is also included. Newcastle will hope he can play another pivotal role this year, having helped the side win the competition in 2007.

They will be joined two more debutants, Charlie Amesbury who was part of the IRB Series in 2006/7 for England and Josh Afu, who declined a call-up to the Australian national Sevens squad last year to instead pursue his Tongan test ambitions.

There is also a host of young players that make up Mark Laycock’s squad including Rob Miller who was part of the England side that reached the final of the IRB TOSHIBA Junior World Championship in June, and England U19 internationals Tom Catterick and Will Welch.

Sale Sharks have included Anitelea Tuiagi, younger brother of Alex, Freddie and Henry, who signed for Sale from Leeds in 2008.

The Samoan, who scored one try for Sale last season, will be captained by compatriot Mohonri Schwalger.

Sale have also included Dave Doherty who was a regular for Sale’s 1st XV last season as well as former Welsh U20 hooker Ben Roberts.

Newcastle begin their campaign against fellow Guinness Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers and Sale will face the Help for Heroes VII which includes former Shark Andy Titterrell.

Newcastle Falcons squad: Josh Afu, Charlie Amesbury, Peter Browne, Tom Catterick, Chris Micklewood, Rob Miller, Aaron Myers, Harry Peck, Chris Pilgrim, Scott Riddell, Rob Vickerman (Capt), Will Welch

Sale Sharks squad: Anitelea Tuilagi, Mohonri Schwalger (Capt), Sisaro Kayamibole, Marika Vakacegu, Ed Styles, Jordan Davies, James Jones, Ben Davey, Ben Roberts, Tom Brady, Dave Doherty