England have made three enforced changes to their squad ahead of the Port Elizabeth leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Alex Davis, Sam Stanley and London Scottish No.8 Mark Bright have been brought in to replace Dan Bibby, Charlie Hayter and James Rodwell who were all injured in Dubai last week.
Playmaker Bibby dislocated his elbow and former Wasps centre Hayter suffered a hamstring injury while Rodwell, who will continue to be assessed this week, took a knock to his ankle.
England will face New Zealand, Japan and Samoa in their Pool in South Africa.
Head Coach Simon Amor said: “We’re incredibly grateful to London Scottish for releasing Mark to us for the third round of the World Sevens Series.
“Unfortunately our centrally contracted group have suffered a number of injuries but we’re delighted to bring in someone of Mark’s proven ability. He was outstanding for us at the Commonwealth Games and we know that he’ll make a massive impact for us for this tournament.
“Alex and Sam were out in Dubai competing for The Royals, our development side, in the elite invitational tournament, so it will be easy for them to integrate themselves into the squad.”
“We know how strong New Zealand and Samoa will be and Japan are also a very capable side,” he said. “It will be very physical, but we’ll prepare well in training this week and look to perform to our full potential and take a step forward from last weekend.”
England Sevens: Sam Blanchet, Tom Bowen, John Brake, Mark Bright, Phil Burgess, Alex Davis, Alex Gray, Christian Lewis-Pratt, Tom Mitchell (captain), Dan Norton, James Rodwell, Sam Stanley, Jeff Williams
Tagged England Sevens
Article source: http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-breaking-news/19920/england-sevens-change-three-for-port-elizabeth/
