England 7s-Emirates Airlines Murrayfield Sevens 2nd/3rd June 2007

The arrival of Alfred Joseph Simon Amor into the world this morning means that seasoned England Sevens player Tony Roques will step into Simon Amor's shoes this weekend and take up the role of England Sevens captain.  With the birth of Amor's first child due this week there was always a risk that he would not be able to join the team in Edinburgh ahead of this weekend's Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens but Roques is more than capable of taking over the helm.

England Sevens Coach Ben Ryan said, "There was always the possibility that we would be without Simon this weekend so it isn't really a surprise but whilst the loss of someone with Simon's experience and skill is major, it will be a good opportunity for the rest of the team to step up to the plate.  Tony is extremely experienced and a respected member of the squad and is looking forward to leading the team this weekend.  We have had an extremely positive training week up here in Edinburgh and are aiming to be the surprise package this weekend at Murrayfield."

Bristol youngster Danny Gray has joined the squad to replace Simon.  Danny has not been involved with the squad since San Diego but has had a strong second half of a season with Bristol.  Ryan said, "Danny has been excellent for England in the past and I am pleased he is back in the squad.  He has a great ability to run the game and I am looking forward to seeing him play this weekend."

One other change to the squad from last weekend at Twickenham is Dave Seymour of Saracens who has replaced Ben Russell who has left the squad for family reasons.  Ryan said, "Dave has a fantastic record with the England Sevens team and was great in Hong Kong.  He has a real class about him and will be a tremendous asset to the team."

England Sevens squad for Scotland:
1 - Isoa Damu (Newbury / British Army)
2 - Tony Roques, captain (Exeter / Cornish Pirates)
3 - Michael Hills (Sale Sharks)
4 - Ben Foden (Sale Sharks)
5 - Dave Seymour (Saracens)
6 - Charlie Amesbury (NEC Harlequins)
7 - Tom Williams (NEC Harlequins)
8 - Andrew Vilk (Sale Sharks)
9 - Danny Care (NEC Harlequins)
10 - Rob Thirlby (Redruth)
11 - Danny Gray (Bristol)
12 - Noah Cato (Saracens)

England face a tough pool this weekend with Georgia (11.02am), Argentina (14.08) and New Zealand (17.36) in their group stages on Saturday 2nd June.

Sevens a whole new ball game

International rugby sevens has changed considerably on and off the pitch since 1993, when Murrayfield played host to the first Rugby World Cup Sevens. Fourteen years on the IRB Sevens circuit attracts big name brands, a better than ever international TV audience and a unique rugby party atmosphere.

Unlike at men’s Scotland international XVs matches, alcohol will be sold and consumed at the sevens meaning fans will be able to enjoy a drink inside the stadium whilst watching all the action on the international pitch.

There is still time to take advantage of the fantastic value tickets and pre-sale offers. At only £10 for adults for one day, or just £15 for both days (including FREE concessions on all pre-booked tickets), this is a weekend of rugby action not to be missed.

Many group packages and pre-sale deals are on offer until 5pm this Friday, 1 June, so book your tickets today to take full advantage. Tickets bought after 29 May will be available for collection on match days.

Tickets for the Murrayfield series climax start at only £10 for adults and just £15 for both days (including FREE concessions on all pre-booked tickets) and can be purchased through the event website at www.edinburgh7s.com.

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Related Articles:

• England 7s Squad for London & Scotland
• England 7s Fixtures & Results London 2007
• England 7s Fixtures & Results Adalaide 07

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