WASPS NAME STRONG SQUAD FOR THE SINGHA 7S

WASPS NAME STRONG SQUAD FOR SINGHA 7S AT THE RICOH ARENA

Wasps have today announced a provisional 14 man squad, from which the final squad will be selected, to compete against Harlequins, Northampton Saints and Saracens, at the Ricoh Arena on Friday 21 August (KO 7.15pm), in Group C of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s.

Wasps’ fliers Christian Wade, Elliot Daly and Josh Bassett have all been named, alongside up-and-coming fly half Alex Lozowski and new signing Dan Robson, who was part of Gloucester’s title winning 7s squad last season.

Among the senior squad forwards in action at the Ricoh Arena, will be former England Sevens squad member Guy Thompson, fellow back-rowers Sam Jones and Thomas Young and lock Will Rowlands.

The Singha 7s will provide the first opportunity for new signings Brendan Macken (centre), Alex Rieder (back row) and Jamie Stevenson (scrum half) to impress in black and gold, as well as a chance for academy players Owain James and Conor Dolan to make their mark and benefit from training alongside so many members of the senior squad.

The Ricoh Arena will host a packed evening’s entertainment for both sports fans and music fans, as the 7s action is followed by a Ministry of Sound After Party, with Danny Howard from BBC Radio One, taking to the decks in the Jaguar Indoor Arena (for over 18s only). Supporters are encouraged to sport neon colours during the 7s for a party atmosphere at the Ricoh Arena.

The entire Wasps squad will also be at the Ricoh Arena to support the team and will be available before the tournament for autographs and photos with supporters, following their open training session at Broadstreet Rugby Club that afternoon.

Academy Manager Matt Davies, who will be in charge of Wasps’ 7s squad, spoke of the excitement building amongst the team for their first taste of competitive action in the 2015/16 season:

“This is the first opportunity the players will have, in what is an unusually long pre-season, to hit the ground with anger if you like,” said Davies. “Due to the Rugby World Cup and the Aviva Premiership season kicking off later, it’s a 17-week pre-season, and so the Singha 7s will be the first highlight for players and fans to look forward to and a chance for players to test their fitness and play some rugby.

“In addition to that, we’re at home. We’ve already enjoyed some fantastic experiences at the Ricoh Arena since our move and as a squad and as a club, we are determined to make this another enjoyable occasion for our supporters.

“There’s a real buzz when you look through the names in this initial squad. It’s a really exciting group of players who can light up any Premiership field with their pace and skills, so we are looking forward to watching what they can do with the extra space you get on the field with 7s.

“Each player will have different personal aspirations at this phase of pre-season. It’s a huge opportunity for our younger academy players Owain James and Conor Dolan, to mix with the senior players and learn from being exposed to the levels required in this kind of tournament.

“Group C is a really tough group. Harlequins have traditionally been very successful in 7s and Saracens won this tournament a few years ago, while Northampton Saints have really talented squads for both 7s and 15s, so we know the challenge ahead of us.”

Wasps’ provisional squad for Singha 7s * subject to fitness

Alex Lozowski

Alex Rieder

Brendan Macken

Christian Wade

Conor Dolan

Dan Robson

Elliot Daly

Guy Thompson

Jamie Stevenson

Josh Bassett

Owain James

Sam Jones

Thomas Young

Will Rowlands

SINGHA 7S TIMINGS ON FRIDAY 21 AUGUST:

19:00 Entertainment will be underway in the stadium bowl

19:15 Wasps v Harlequins

19:40 Saracens v Northampton Saints

20:10 Saracens v Harlequins

20:35 Wasps v Northampton Saints

21:05 Harlequins v Northampton Saints

21:30 Wasps v Saracens

22:00 The Ministry of Sound After Party in the Jaguar Indoor Arena

Tickets for the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s on Friday 21 August (7pm) cost £10 for adult and £5 for under 18s, with a special 7s & After Party package for Over 18s priced at £15.

Alternatively, tickets to attend the After Party are priced at £10 for Over 18s only.

To book tickets and for more information visit www.wasps.co.ukor call 02476 786423.