Former Oxford Blue Tom Mitchell has been named captain in the first ever Team GB Sevens squad that will compete in the rugby sevens at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The men’s squad will also be led by former England Sevens captain and Cambridge Blue Simon Amor, who was appointed Team GB Head Coach last summer.
Former OURFC fly-half Tom Mitchell (Kellogg) featured in the 2011 Varsity Match, scoring a try in his side’s 28-10 win.
Simon Amor (St. Edmunds) earned a Blue playing in the 2000 Varsity Match for CURUFC, losing out 19-16 to Oxford.
Also set for the Olympic Ruby Sevens is former England Sevens Coach and Cambridge Blue Ben Ryan (Homerton), who is now Head Coach of the highly-fancied Fiji Sevens team. The former light blue scrum-half was victorious in both the 1995 and 1996 Varsity Matches.
It will be the first time in 108 years that Team GB has had representation in rugby at Olympic level and a first for the seven-a-side format.
Team GB Head Coach Simon Amor said: “At the recent tournament in Exeter, the crowd were chanting ‘GB’, something that has never been heard in the rugby sevens world before, and it was yet another reminder of how privileged we are to now be part of one Team GB and the largest sporting event in the world.
“We have named a talented and experienced squad of 12 players which we believe offers the right combinations and complimenting skill sets needed to be successful in Rio. It has however been a 27 player effort and recognition must go to every player involved in the programme, as well as the hard working and exceptional management team.”
Captain Tom Mitchell said: “I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent Team GB and to lead this group of boys, we have worked so hard to be at this point, not just in the last six weeks but over the years.
“The opportunity to showcase our event to the world and represent Team GB while we do it is something very special. I wasn’t expecting to react the way I did – when Simon told me I was in the squad, and that he wanted me to captain it, I didn’t have any words and am still trying to let it sink in.”
Competition takes place over six days with the women competing first from August 6-8 at the Deodoro Stadium in a pool which includes hosts Brazil, Japan and Canada.
The men’s competition follows from August 9-11 with Kenya, Japan and New Zealand waiting in the pool stages for Team GB.
Team GB Men’s Sevens Squad
Mark Bennett, 23, Glasgow
Dan Bibby, 25, Wigan
Phil Burgess, 28, Farnborough
Sam Cross, 23, Newport
Alex Davis, 23, Bristol
James Davies, 25, Carmarthen
Ollie Lindsay Hague, 25, London
Tom Mitchell, 27, Cuckfield
Dan Norton, 28, Bristol
James Rodwell, 31, Cotteridge
Mark Robertson, 31, Galashiels
Marcus Watson, 25, Weybridge
Travelling reserves:
Luke Treharne, 23, Llanelli
Ruaridh McConnochie, 24, Kingston upon Thames
Women’s Squad
Claire Allan, 31, Ealing
Abbie Brown, 20, Exeter
Heather Fisher, 32, Birmingham
Natasha Hunt, 27, Gloucester
Jasmine Joyce, 20, Haverfordwest
Katy McLean, 30, South Shields
Alice Richardson, 29, Worcester
Emily Scarratt, 26, Leicester
Emily Scott, 24, Corringham
Danielle Waterman, 31, Bristol
Joanne Watmore, 29, Chester
Amy Wilson-Hardy, 24, Poole
Travelling reserves:
Megan Jones, 19, Cardiff
Kay Wilson, 24, Caterham
