Sign up and win
flash alternate

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use this site, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser.

NEWS

more »

Cracknell unavailable for England Sevens

Thursday 14 January 2010 (UR7s)

England will have to do without reliable forward Chris Cracknell for the next two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in Wellington and Las Vegas.

Cracknell was originally unattached from any club whilst playing for England at the first two legs of the season in Dubai and George. Upon returning from South Africa though, the former Bath player has signed with the Worcester Warriors who he will remain with for the time being.

In his place, coach Ben Ryan has called up 23-year-old Donald Barrell (Saracens) for the next two rounds, despite the 15-a-side No.8 not making the original 2009/10 training squad.

The rest of the squad appears settled which including George top try scorer Christian Wade (London Wasps) who was also a doubt with potential conflicting duties with the England U20s.

England will once again be led by led by Barrell’s Saracen’s teammate Kevin Barrett with the likes of James Rodwell set to be heavily involved through Cracknell's absense. IRB Sevens’ all-time highest sevens points scorer Ben Gollings (Gold Coast) and Isoa Damu are also included.

England are third in the IRB standings behind New Zealand and Fiji respectively after reaching the semi finals in Dubai and overcoming hosts South Africa to win the plate final in George last month.

"Chris Cracknell was with us all last season and signed for Worcester on the back of the first two tournaments in Dubai and South Africa. He will be missed but this is his opportunity to put down a marker and claim a first team position at Warriors,” said Ryan

"Don has been on our radar for some time now. We've wanted to pick him on occasions but he has been unavailable so it's great to finally have him in the squad. Competition for forward places is always fierce so he's done well.

"I'm really happy that we've kept the same squad that we had in the first two tournaments and we are giving ourselves the best chance to defend our cup title in Wellington and show what we can do at the new USA venue in Las Vegas."

After Wellington the players head to Las Vegas where they face Wales, Japan and Argentina in the pool matches.

England Sevens squad for New Zealand and Las Vegas:

Jake Abbott (Worcester Warriors), Donald Barrell (Saracens), Kevin Barrett* (Saracens), Chris Brightwell (Bedford), Dan Caprice (Blackheath), Isoa Damudamu (British Army), Ben Gollings (Gold Coast, Australia),Dan Norton (Bristol Rugby), James Rodwell (Moseley),Nick Royle (Fylde),Matt Turner (Bristol Rugby),Christian Wade (London Wasps)

* denotes captain

 

Tagged in this article: Wellington Sevens, USA 7s

COMMENTS

POST A COMMENT