• • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Technorati
  • Reddit
  • Stumble Upon
  • Furl

Holders Harlequins and Leicester have announced their sides to take part in this weekend’s Middlesex Sevens.

Harlequins beat the British Army 22-12 in last year’s final and the holders have a rich history with the tournament having won it no less than 14 times, although before last year they hadn’t lifted the Russell-Cargill Memorial Trophy since 1990.

Their line up is full of international experience including England internationals Nick Easter and Danny Care but the Guinness Premiership side have also included several academy players in Jono Ross and Luke Wallace.

Karl Dickson, a summer signing from Bedford Blues has been included alongside regulars Chris Robshaw and Dave Strettle.

UR7s understands, however, that Dave Strettle may be carrying an injury having returned to his club from the England Senior EPS squad.

Leicester's squad however is made up almost completely of academy players, although it has a very similar look to the side who won the National Academy Sevens in May.

The Tigers include Gareth Clarke and Alex Lewington, who both scored in the final against Saracens, as well as Man of the Tournament Manu Tuilagi, the younger brother of Alesena, Freddie and Henry.

Leicester last won the Middlesex Sevens in 1995, and they begin against fellow Guinness Premiership outfit Newcastle Falcons, Harlequins begin their defence of the title against invitational side Kukri White Hart Marauders.

Harlequins squad: Jono Ross, Seb Jewll, Chris Robshaw, Nick Easter, Luke Wallace, Karl Dickson, Calum Macrae, Danny Care, Gareth Williams, Waisea Luveniyali, Dave Strettle (Capt), Sam Stewart

Leicester Tigers squad: Jimmy Stevens, Matt Everart (Capt), Tom Armes, Finlay Barnham, George Ford, Connor Smith, Gareth Clarke, Joe Cobden, Manu Tuilagi, Alex Lewingon, Luix Roussarie