RUGBY: Gloucester name squad for Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series

Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs and London Irish head to Kingsholm for one of the highlights of the rugby calendar, with a bumper crowd expected to cheer on Olly Morgan's home side who will be looking to defend their back-to-back titles.
 
Steph Reynolds, who crossed for seven tries in last summer's series, including five in the pool stage, will captain the side, with further Sevens' experience being provided by back rows Gareth Evans and Dan Thomas, centre Mark Atkinson, and full back Steve McColl.
 
There will be a first chance to impress in a Cherry and White shirt for senior Academy forwards Will Safe and Joe Mullis, and backs Jack Evans, Elliott Creed and Ollie Thorley.
 
The squad is completed by two stars of last summer's competition, with age group international halfbacks Lloyd Evans and Ben Vellacott looking to continue their impressive form from this summer's World Rugby Under 20 Championships.
 
Olly Morgan, who leads this summer's Sevens charge expressed his excitement to see the squad on the field, in front of a full house this Thursday evening.
 
"The Singha Sevens tournament has shown over the past few years what a useful stepping stone it is for our young players, and this squad has massive scope to make an impact on the first team in the coming months.
 
"We have complimented our up and coming young players with some experience from the first team, in what is a really important development opportunity for them.
 
"This summer, after winning the last two, there is a bit of pressure on us, but there is always some pressure when we play in front of our home crowd, and no doubt it will be a massively beneficial experience for the squad.”
 
Gloucester Rugby squad (Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series. Thursday. 7.15pm first match)
 
1 Steve McColl
2 Joe Mullis
3 Elliott Creed
4 Ollie Thorley
5 Jack Evans
6 Will Safe
7 Dan Thomas
8 Gareth Evans
9 Ben Vellacott
10 Lloyd Evans
11 Steph Reynolds (c)
12 Mark Atkinson