England Men’s Sevens squad has been named for the first tournament of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai this weekend.

The experienced group, captained by Tom Mitchell, will play Samoa, Russia and New Zealand on Friday 2 December.

Head Coach Simon Amor said: “It is a very physical pool so we need to match that but be smart in playing to our strengths.  The first tournament is always an interesting one as new coaches and players bring different styles and create unknown challenges.

“It has been three months or more since the guys have played a competitive tournament.  This time has allowed for a good break and for some players to have operations to clear up niggles and work towards full fitness.

“The squad are very much looking forward to getting out there, giving their best in front of the expat supporters, and making England proud.

Ethan Waddleton, who captained the England Sevens Academy to victory at the Singapore Cricket Club Sevens earlier this month, is also named for Dubai.  The 19-year-old earned his first cap on the World Series in Wellington and featured in a further four tournaments last season.

“Ethan is a dynamic player, one of the stand-out academy players from last year, and he showed excellent leadership in captaining a young team in Singapore,” Amor added. “As he continues to build experience, we’re looking forward to seeing what he can offer alongside the seniors.”

The England Sevens Academy will also travel to Dubai to compete in the invitational tournament under the banner of The Royals where they will play Les Blues Sevens and Georgia 7s on Friday 2 December.

“The England Sevens Academy programme is fundamental to our sevens player pathway strategy, as we continue finding and developing young, exciting talent. There is a strong England Sevens spirit, which we have seen in training, and with both teams competing in the same location the players are looking forward to having the opportunity to support each other in competition.”

England Mens Sevens:

Dan Bibby

Tom Bowen

Phil Burgess

Alex Davis

Richard de Carpentier

Ollie Lindsay-Hague

Charlie Hayter

Ruaridh McConnochie

Tom Mitchell ©

Dan Norton

James Rodwell

Ethan Waddleton

The organisers are encouraging ticket purchase in advance, saving money in the process. Taking place 1-3 December at The Sevens Stadium, excited fans can purchase their tickets online at www.dubairugby7s.comor at Emirates Group Headquarters, dnata Travel Stores, Go Sport and Park n Shop.

Ticket Prices (general admission) are:

• Thursday – FREE ADMISSION
• Friday, 2 December – in advance AED300, on the day AED400
• Saturday, 3 December – in advance AED300, on the day AED400
• Season Tickets (Friday and Saturday) – in advance AED500, on the day AED600
• Children under 12 admitted free.
• Special reserved seating and hospitality packages are available –  please visit: www.dubairugby7s.com

In a special offer this year, Emirates Skywards Members can redeem tickets for the event using their Miles; members should visit the Sports and Culture section of Skywards at www.emirates.com to avail this offer.