News - 2008
England feeling fit to reclaim glory in Dubai
Dubai, 16 November, 2008 – After a period of transition last year, which saw a large number of new players coming into the side, England are now aiming to take back the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens trophy, which they won in 2004 and 2005.
This year will see plenty of familiar England faces, as Coach Ben Ryan has looked for a sense of stability to pervade throughout his squad.
"Last year's team had a lot of new caps, but this year's side should have fewer new faces, more consistency and, of course, everyone has been selected with next year's World Cup Sevens in mind," explained Ryan.
"We have become markedly better these last 24 months after a pretty unstable time. Now we are out the other side and suddenly everything is taking shape. We have come a long way, particularly in the last 12 months and I cannot wait to see the start of a new chapter for England Sevens starting in Dubai," added the coach.
One aspect of England's game that has been paid a large amount of attention in the last year is the squad's fitness levels, something which Ryan believes is part of an overall trend in British sport.
"We will be fielding the strongest and fittest side that England Sevens has had for three years in Dubai and, by the time the World Cup Sevens comes around, they'll be the fittest in our short history. We have made the most of the amazing time that UK Sport is currently experiencing. Sport in the country is as vibrant and energetic as it has ever been.
"We brought in the English Institute of Sport's top conditioners and set higher minimum fitness standards than ever before. We now have every edge we can, from nutrition to travel and biomechanics to the behavioural sciences," he added.
Despite a strong belief that England could go all the way in Dubai once again this year, Ryan is keeping his feet on the ground. "We do not, as yet, have any so-called ‘stars' in the side," he said.
"Only when we win tournaments back-to-back and lift the World Cup, will I be able to say we have a few stars – not before. We have got a lot to do before then. All I will say is that we have worked hard to identify and recruit the right players that we want wearing an England shirt and those who will put in the performances that the shirt deserves."
Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, said: "I very much look forward to welcoming England to our new venue, The Sevens. With the likes of top overall points-scorer in the Sevens World Series, Ben Gollings, in their ranks, England are a side that are always tough to beat. Having won here in Dubai twice already, I've no doubt they'll be contesting strongly once again.
"With the large English presence in Dubai, there will undoubtedly be great support for them. I wish the English, and all 15 other international teams, the very best of luck as they take to the field at our new home of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens".
The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens takes place at The Sevens, on the Al Ain Road just beyond the Outlet Mall, from November 27-29, 2008. There are 15,000 parking spaces available at the new venue and from 5pm, over 170 buses will be working overtime to transport fans from the venue back into five convenient locations across Dubai.