England Sevens head coach Simon Amor on Thursday unveiled his squad ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month.
The squad includes eight players who will make their Commonwealth Games debuts while John Brake, Dan Norton, Tom Powell and James Rodwell bring the experience of having competed in the 2010 Delhi Games.
Charlie Hayter, who recently signed for England Sevens from Wasps, and London Scottish captain Mark Bright, earn their places after impressing in the first two rounds of the European Grand Prix Series.
Brake and Mike Ellery have both recovered from injuries with Tom Mitchell continuing as captain.
"The squad selected has a very good balance of speed, playmaking ability, physicality and the all-important X-factor," Amor said.
"With players returning from long-term injuries the competition for places has been particularly strong.
"This has raised the performances in training and the attitude throughout the team has been excellent. We will be looking to bring the experiences and progress made throughout the Sevens World Series to Glasgow."
Amor also believes the spirit of the Commonwealth Games will spur his side on.
"Being part of the bigger team that is Team England at the Commonwealth Games, is a unique experience in a very different environment from the one the players are used to on the world circuit," Amor said.
"You feed off other sports' successes, see other athletes there and the sheer scale of the village and the competition make it a wonderful occasion."
England are in Pool D at Glasgow with Australia, Sri Lanka and Uganda.
England Sevens squad:
Daniel Bibby, John Brake, Mark Bright, Philip Burgess, Michael Ellery, Charlie Hayter, Christian Lewis-Pratt, Tom Mitchell (captain), Dan Norton, Tom Powell, James Rodwell, Marcus Watson.
Source: AFP
