Strong England 7s side bid for Moscow title

England are among the favourites for the event which sees the top 10 7s nation in the world compete. There are five fully capped players in the squad which is led by Sonia Green and Michaela Staniford(pictured far left)

England will travel of course without any of their World Cup players but they can still name a very strong squad for the event on July 10 and 11 in Russia with selection for some players, softening the blow somewhat for missing the cut for the main national 15s squad.

The overall competing teams are England, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, France, Portugal, Russia Italy , Sweden and Finland.

The co-captains Green and Staniford are both experienced 7s specialists with Wasps wing Staniford involved in last year's Rugby World Cup 7s campaign in Dubai, which saw England win the Plate competition.

Hannah Field and Rose Fong have been rewarded for strong showings at U20 level with their selection.

England will be coached by Barry Maddocks and ex-international Susie Appleby.

Maddocks said: "We have got a nice blend of experience and up and coming players in this squad. Both Sonia and Michaela are proven 7s players and they will lead the team well while the likes of Fran Matthews and Kim Oliver are England regulars. This will also be a great opportunity for the likes of Hannah Field and Rose Fong from the England Under 20s. Although this is our one and only 7s tournament of the season we are determined to retain our title."

England will play Sweden, Italy and Germany in the pool stages on Saturday July 10th. They will also play France on Sunday 11th in the final pool match before the knock out stages commence that day.

England won the European 7s title last season by beating Spain 20-12 in the final.

For more on this year's competition seehere

England 7s

Sonia Green (Saracens)

Gemma Sharples (Worcester)

Michaela Staniford (Wasps)

Hannah Field (Wasps)

Sarah Guest (Worcester)

Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Jennifer Edwards (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Francesca Mathews (Richmond)

Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)

Rose Fong (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

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