Source: David Rogers/Getty Images for GB Sevens

44 and Counting

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What do these players have in common?

Abbie Brown
Abbie Ward
Abby Dow
Abi Burton
Amy Cokayne
Amy Wilson Hardy
Bryony Cleall
Carys Williams
Celia Quansah
Chantelle Miell
Cath O’Donnell
Chloe Edwards
Claudia Macdonald
Detysha Harper
Ellie Kildunne
Emily Scarratt
Emily Scott
Emma Uren
Hannah Botterman
Harriet Millar-Mills
Heather Kerr
Jess Breach
Katie Mason
Lagi Tuima
Lark Davies
Leanne Riley
Lotte Clapp
Marlie Packer
Megan Jones
Morwenna Talling
Poppy Cleall
Rachael Burford
Rochelle Clark
Rosie Galligan
Rowena Burnfield
Sarah Beckett
Sarah Hunter
Sarah McKenna
Sonia Green
Sydney Gregson
Tamara Taylor
Vickii Cornborough
Vicky Fleetwood
Zoe Harrison

That’s right, they are all Red Roses from 15s and 7s. They play for Lightning, Quins, Sarries and Wasps and might all be appearing in the AP 15s semi-finals on Saturday – if they were all available, which sadly they aren’t. Even though I may have missed the odd name – apologies – it shows clearly how unequally England’s players are dispersed around the nation. That total of 44 means that each of the four clubs has on average over ten internationals on its books. No wonder they prosper.

To them you can add a galaxy of test players from Celtic lands and abroad and promising youngsters who have been on the edge of selection.

During his commentary at the International Sevens tournament over the last weekend Simon Ward hinted that some/all of the GB 7s players involved might be available to take part. That would add enormously to the talent on view.

Still, it means that two sets of spectators (check the word in your largest dictionary) will be treated to matches of international quality at StoneX Stadium and Twickenham Stoop on Saturday 22.