Mitchell set for Exeter 7s
By Steve Grace
4/7/18
England Sevens captain Tom Mitchell says the whole squad are looking forward to the atmosphere at the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s this weekend.
The third leg of the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series takes place at Sandy Park, with England having secured bronze at the last tournament in Marcoussis.
A mixture of England's senior players and up-and-coming academy talent are expected to be on show in Devon and Mitchell says the backing they get is always a boost.
“It’s a great day out for friends and family and it's always an amazing atmosphere down in Exeter," said Mitchell. “We only get two chances to play in England so it’s great to have everyone down to cheer us on.
“This is also our last chance to prepare for San Francisco and the Rugby World Cup Sevens this summer, so it should be a hugely competitive day and an exciting one.”
Head of England Sevens Simon Amor has spoken about the opportunity for the tournament to continue building for the Rugby World Cup Sevens later this month.
Alex Davis has played in the last two tournaments in Exeter and has found memories when it was used as preparation for the Great Britain team in the build-up to the Olympics.
“A couple of years ago we won the tournament with the Great Britain Sevens Royals team, and a win is always special," said Davis. “Playing in front of a home crowd in Exeter, which is a hotbed of rugby at the moment, is special.
“Last year I got to play with a young academy side and it is always great exposure for them to play in a European circuit, bedding them in for the World Series.”