The second round of the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series provides the squad with another opportunity to take on international opposition as the players – including five Welsh hopefuls – look to stake a claim in the final squad of 12 for the Olympic games.
Head Coach Simon Amor said: “It is a unique challenge that the players face in that they want to show what they can do as individuals but need to do that within how we want to play as Team GB.”
Last weekend two teams competed in Sevens in the City at Allianz Park and, after winning their three pool games and respective semi-finals, met in a captivating final.
“That final really showed how much this opportunity means to the players but also demonstrated how there is a genuine desire for it to be Team GB first. It was a great game of sevens and this weekend in Exeter will no doubt be equally fascinating.”
Due to the time frames for selection, laid out by the International Olympic Committee, a decision will be made next week as to which 12 will go to Rio and be named publically as part of Team GB on the 19th of July.
Amor added: “The processes around selection mean that this tournament becomes even more important for everyone involved. We have always said from the start we want to send the very best team to the Olympics and this may not necessarily be the best individuals. It is about having the right combinations and blend of strengths and skill sets for GB.
“There is a lot of pressure on the guys heading into this weekend and it will be interesting to see how they all handle it but this pressure is great preparation for Rio. Over the last six weeks they have gelled incredibly well as a group and created a very special and unique GB spirit.
“They have all bought into the fact that every step made during this journey has been about ensuring that GB Sevens is in the best possible place come Rio and this weekend is another chance to show what they can do as players and as a squad.”
Only two changes are made from the start of the month when the GB Lions finished third in the Rugby Europe Moscow tournament, and the GB Royals lifted the plate, less than a week after the GB Sevens squad had gathered for the first time.
As the two teams take the place of England and Wales in this summer’s series, players cannot interchange between them for the three competitions in Moscow, Exeter and Gdynia (16-17 July).
Charlie Hayter and James Rodwell therefore replace the injured Tom Bowen (knee) and Joe Simpson, who was ruled out of Olympic contention with a dislocated elbow, while Jamie Farndale, who strained his hamstring in Moscow, makes a return to action.
The GB Royals – with Wales’ Cory Allen, Luke Morgan and Luke Treharne – will play Portugal, Poland and fellow Olympic competitors France in the pool stages on Saturday while the GB Lions – with Wales duo Sam Cross and James Davies – face Germany, Italy and Belgium.
For ticket details and more information visit: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk
GB Royals
Cory Allen, Alex Davis, Jamie Farndale, Alex Gray, Charlie Hayter, Warwick Lahmert, Ollie Lindsay-Hague, Ruaridh McConnochie, Luke Morgan, Scott Riddell, James Rodwell, Luke Treharne (Capt).
Fixtures:
v Portugal (12.36pm)
v Poland (3.21pm)
v France (5.44pm)
GB Lions
Mark Bennett, Dan Bibby, Phil Burgess, Sam Cross, James Davies, Richard de Carpentier, Lee Jones, Gavin Lowe, Tom Mitchell (Capt), Dan Norton, Mark Robertson, Marcus Watson
Fixtures:
v Belgium (1.20pm)
v Italy (4.05pm)
v Germany (6.50pm)
