Great Britain’s women’s rugby sevens team is poised for a significant uplift with the return of seasoned players Heather Cowell, Abbie Brown, and Grace Crompton for the HSBC Sevens Series. Abbie Brown, aged 29, will co-captain the team alongside Katie Shillaker, who has showcased consistent performance throughout the four tournaments this season.
Cowell and Crompton, who play with Shillaker at Harlequins, have had limited playtime in the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition this year. Currently, Great Britain Women find themselves at the bottom of the HSBC Sevens Series standings. They will face formidable opponents as they are placed in Pool A alongside New Zealand, France, and Japan for the upcoming tournament.
Significant changes are also underway for the men’s team. Ryan Apps returns along with Finlay Callaghan, Roan Frostwick, Matt Davidson, and Josh Radcliffe. After a lengthy injury layoff, Jake Henry is set to return to action, while Glasgow Pro Academy player Ben Salmon is poised to make his debut for Great Britain in British Columbia. The men’s squad is also facing tough competition in Pool A, which includes South Africa, New Zealand, and Spain.
Ciaran Beattie, the Director of Rugby for Great Britain 7s, conveyed a sense of optimism as both teams prepare for their next challenges. He noted the inclusion of players with Olympic experience, emphasizing how this could enhance performances on the field. Despite the rough start for the women’s team, Beattie remained positive about their ongoing development and progress. He is especially eager for Jake Henry’s return to the squad and the debut of Ben Salmon, pointing to the exciting journey ahead as the teams gear up for the upcoming World Championships in Hong Kong.
This renewed energy within the teams, bolstered by experienced players and new talent, sets a hopeful path as they aim to improve their standings and prove their capabilities in the international rugby scene.