England tweak Sevens squad

Newcastle Falcons winger Ollie Phillips has been called into the England Sevens squad ahead of the opening IRB Sevens tournament in Dubai. He replaces Gloucester's James Bailey who was named in the final squad last week.

The 22-year-old Falcons flyer is uncapped for England, and travelled out to Dubai with the rest of the England squad last night.
 
"It's unfortunate that James was not able to earn his first England cap in Dubai but I am confident that there will be further opportunities for him later in the series," said England Sevens coach Mike Friday.

"Ollie is an exciting young player and I am delighted that this will give him the opportunity to step up to the next level and win his first cap."

Bailey also recently lost out on selection at club level, with Tongan Seti Kiole ousting him form Gloucester's left wing for the club's 24-14 win over Sale Sharks on Friday.

The Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens begins on Thursday, December 2.

England squad (revised):

Simon Amor, Captain (Gloucester)
Geoff Appleford (London Irish)
Kai Hortsmann (NEC Harlequins)
Ugo Monye (NEC Harlequins)
Ollie Phillips (Newcastle Falcons)
Peter Richards (London Wasps)
Tony Roques (London Irish)
Paul Sampson (Worcester Warriors)
Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors)
Neil Starling (Northampton Saints)
Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons)
Rob Thirlby (Penzance & Newlyn)