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UR7s caught up with USA Skipper Chris Wyles before this weekend's leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in San Diego.

Chris welcome to UR7s! So far this season you have made the Cup quarter-finals in both George and Wellington–you must be pleased with your progress?

We only made one quarter final last sevens season so making 2 already in this season is a great move forward. We are pleased with our progress but now we need to start performing on day two.

How difficult is it took take the consistency from day 1 into the knockout stages?

Yeah day two in the last 8 is very competitive. It’s a big step compared to the bowl and shield competition. We have to begin believing in ourselves that we can move forward on day two.

From a personal point of view things are going very well! Captaining your country on the IRB Sevens World Series and regularly getting over the try line. Do you feel you have come of age in the last couple of seasons?

I would say that the playing on the sevens circuit has improved my game massively and I am beginning to see the effects of that! Captaining the US team has been an honour and I just hope we can keep on improving as a team.

You are currently on a secondment at Saracens in the Guinness Premiership. What is the possibility of it turning into a permanent move?

I would love to stay at Saracens but of course the downside of that would most likely mean no more sevens!

You originally went to school in Hertfordshire so is it nice to be finally back home with your family and friends at home?

One of the reasons I jumped at the opportunity to play for Saracens was because it was my local club. It means I can spend time with my family and friends and have a life outside rugby which for me is very important.

Apparently you took up rugby relatively late? Were you one of those annoying kids that excelled in any sport you took up!?

Well I took up rugby at 12 so not that late but later than most. I remember my first rugby game I slide tackled a guy and got sent off! Complete shocker! And yes, blowing my own trumpet, I was normally pretty good at most sports!

After confirming allegiance to the States you were quickly drafted into RWC 2007 team and made your debut in Sevens at Hong Kong, what were those experiences like?

I have to say my first Hong Kong sevens is still one of my favorite experiences I have ever had. Not only was it my first IRB Sevens event but with Wellington it’s also the craziest. We beat France in our first game and the crowd went mental for us! I loved it. The 2007 World Cup (15s) was also a great memory, we didn't win any games but I think we represented the US very well. Playing against South Africa showed us the level we have to be at.

How has sevens developed your all-round rugby ability? What skills are transferable for when you return to 15s?

As I said earlier I think sevens has improved my game massively. It really improves your ball skills and as a fullback that’s very transferable. Also, and this was a big one for me, sevens gives you the confidence to express yourself and 'have a go'. So it’s a great confidence builder.

If Rugby Sevens were to be drafted into the Olympics, what effect would it have for USA Rugby?

America has tons of amazing athletes from Basketball and American Football who could potentially be good rugby players. If sevens makes the Olympics our US team would all be out of jobs! No seriously, it would be huge for us and could make a massive difference.

Who should we be looking out for from the USA to star this weekend?

Kevin Swiryn, Paul Emerick, and James Gillenwater are ones to watch.

Toughest individual opponent you have faced this season / of all time?!

My toughest opponent that I have played in sevens has to be Tomasi Cama.

Chris Wyles was speaking to Robin Heymann.