In 2008, the Exiles entered their fourth season of participation in Sevens tournaments in what has been a successful initiative to date. The Exiles view the Sevens game as a pathway for young players to hone their skills set and it has been pleasing to record the number of Ireland U18, U19 & U21 internationals that have appeared for the DHL Exiiles in the past three seasons and continue to do so.
This Sevens initiative is only made possible by the support of main sponsor DHL and kit sponsors OB Sport. DHL Global Forwarding has renewed their sponsorship of the Exiles Sevens squads for 2008. The company sees the popular spread of Sevens as a global game, following the same pathway as DHL - a global business. DHL and the Exiles Branch share the same vision - 'the development of future generations'. In the case of the Exiles, this is the development of Irish-qualified players for the future of Irish rugby.
The Exiles have taken part in three tournaments to date in 2008: on the established English Sevens circuit a return to the Sunshine Sevens at East Grinstead took place, as a precursor to an important weekend in Ireland. As defending champions a return to the Carrick Sevens was a 'must', on the same weekend as the Kinsale 7s where the DHL Exiles had their first ever invite (see the report in the 'News' section). Next up is a return visit to the Amsterdam 7s, with a later trip to the Marbella 7s.
The most pleasing item to date has been the inclusion of 3 Exiles in the rebirth of the Ireland Sevens squad. The Coach is DHL Exiles Sevens specialist and former Ireland U21 flanker Jon Skurr (photographed).
He has been joined (to date) by another DHL Exiles Sevens specialist Esher wing Richard Briggs, and by former Ireland scrum-half Kieran Campbell, who is a West Londoner by upbringing and education and also came through the Exiles ranks to play for Ireland U21s.
May they be the first of many Exiles to join Mark Bruce (our first 7s international) to gain Ireland honours in the Sevens game.
Click here to view ction from the Tournament.
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