SCOTLAND 7S HELP OUR HEROES AT TWICKENHAM
Wednesday, 05 August 2009

The international sevens coaches from Scotland, England and Wales have joined up to field an all-star invitational side at the Middlesex Sevens on Saturday 15 August.
The squad, which will feature Scots Rory Hutton and Peter Jericevich, will compete under the banner of ‘Help for Heroes’ in support of the charity which helps those who have been wounded in Britain’s current conflicts.
Scotland 7s coach, Stephen Gemmell, will prepare the team alongside England’s Ben Ryan.
The initiative demonstrates the joined-up approach of the three unions as they all prepare for the forthcoming IRB Sevens World Series and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next year.
Speaking about an exciting opportunity for himself, Hutton and Jericevich, Gemmell said: “Ben Ryan, Paul John and I enjoy a close working relationship on the IRB Sevens World Series in terms of discussing ways to improve our all-round performances. This is a way of us all working together to the benefit of all three unions as we approach the start of the World Series in December and contributes to our longer term visions ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next year and ultimately Glasgow in 2014.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for two of our up and coming players to play in such a competitive environment whilst also showing their, and Scottish Rugby’s, support for such a great cause.
“Rory has played on the World Series before and was part of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad last season. Peter will be able to build on the experience he gained whilst at the Under 20 World Championships over the summer and push for a place in this year’s Scotland 7s squad.
“There is a great atmosphere at the Middlesex Sevens and I’m looking forward to working alongside Ben, as well as the players from all three countries, as we build for the future.”
The way in which the coaches of Scotland, England and Wales have worked together to the mutual benefit of rugby in their own countries is testament to the strong bond that is encouraged through the game of rugby sevens. This quality is one which Gemmell feels would be a huge asset to the Olympic movement as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sits down in October to decide which sports should be included in the Olympic Games following a presentation from the International Rugby Board in June.
“Rugby sevens is enjoyed by men and women the world over and is an ideal sport for Olympic inclusion.
“As was demonstrated at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai back in March, both the men’s and women’s games have worldwide appeal as a fun and exciting sport to play and watch.
“Rugby sevens has a very successful record in similar multi-sports Games such as the Commonwealth Games and it would be fantastic to see the best players in the world compete for an Olympic medal.”
For more information on the Middlesex 7s and tickets, log onto www.middlesex7s.com
The full Help for Heroes squad to compete at the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham on Saturday 15 August will be announced soon by the RFU.

This article was originally posted on 5-Aug-2009, 18:31 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 5-Aug-2009, 18:52.