Ireland Sevens Squad for Dubai

Ireland returned to international sevens competition in 2004 by competing in the European
Sevens Circuit. In order to qualify for the European Finals in Majorca, Ireland played in two preliminary tournaments in Sopot, Poland and Split, Croatia.

In Sopot, the Irish justified their ranking as first seed by beating Russia in the final. In Croatia, they again reached the final, but were beaten by Number 1 seed Italy.
Sixteen teams qualified for the Finals, the first seven of which would represent Europe in the RWC Finals in Hong Kong in March 2005. Ireland finished in third place in Majorca, having been beaten by Italy in the semi finals and beating Scotland in the 3rd / 4th play off, thus securing their place in Hong Kong.

Ireland has received invitations to take part in the opening rounds of the IRB International Sevens Series, of which the Dubai Sevens is one of the tournaments. Ireland
will be using the series as part of their preparation for the RWC in March next year.

A squad of 12 players will depart for Dubai on November 28th, which takes place on December 2nd and 3rd. They will then travel on directly to George in South Africa and train for almost a week before taking part in the second tournament in the series.

The following players and management have been selected to represent Ireland in the Dubai Sevens Tournament as part of the IRB International Sevens Series on 2nd – 3rd December 2004:

*Gary Brown (Ulster – Belfast Harlequins)
*Mark Bruce (Loughborough University)
John Hearty (Leinster – Blackrock College)
David Hewitt (Leinster – Clontarf)
Ian Humphreys (Belfast Harlequins)
Christopher Keane (Connacht – Buccaneers)
*Seamus Mallon (Ulster – Dungannon)
Michael McComish (Ballymena)
Martin McPhail (Munster – U.L. Bohemians)
*James Norton (Leinster – UCD)
*Tomas O’Leary (Dolphin)
*Niall Ronan (Leinster – Lansdowne)

N.B. * denotes new sevens cap

Coach: Ryan Constable
Manager: George Spotswood
Physiotherapist: Ailbe McCormack