Ben Ryan optimistic about England Sevens - Rugby News Update
Ben Ryan, who is currently serving as England Sevens' coach, believes that the ongoing HSBC World Series is going to make a remarkable impression on the sport.
England finished their first leg of the previous season of World Sevens in May this year at Twickenham and are currently in Moscow, Russia.
They are scheduled to play the second leg of the series against five nations including Wales, Russia, Georgia, the Netherlands and Ukraine.
"It's probably the biggest ever year for Sevens," Ryan said.
England currently holds the third position in the series with 135 points. The All Blacks (167 points) enjoy the top position, while Fiji (161 points) holds the second spot.
According to Ryan, the excitement about the series has increased because of the new format announced this year. There will now be a total of 10 tournaments in five pairs with the teams paying a visit to each continent around the world.
"The HSBC Sevens World Series is now set up with ten tournaments in five pairs and visits every continent, the season ends with the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow and we'll be in the Olympic cycle for the first time which all underlines where the sport is going," said Ryan.
The Englishmen look excited while preparing for the upcoming events, as the host venue has a history of facilitating some of the great events last year.
"We're very excited about the venue too. It looks very similar to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth and stages huge events like the Copa America football as well as the Pumas vs New Zealand test in September so there should be a great atmosphere," Ryan added.
England’s squad consists of Dan Bibby, John Brake, Chris Brightwell, Michael Ellery, James Lightfoot-Brown, Tom Mitchell, Ollie Phillips (Unattached), Jack Preece, James Rodwell, Nick Royle, Jeffrey Williams and Matt Williams (Bristol Rugby).
Rugby commentators believe that the credit for raising English’s expectations goes to Ryan because of his continuous efforts in managing the team affairs in terms of training.
The series will conclude with the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.
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