Empty spot in England squad
England’s Mark Odejobi has been ruled out of the London leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, after sustaining a broken bone in a foot.
And Isoa Damudamu – injured in last month’s Army versus Navy Babcock Trophy match – faces knee surgery and a long spell out of the game.
Former England Under-20 wing Odejobi was injured after coming off the bench in the second half of England’s 40-7 victory over Kenya on day one at Scotstoun.
It leaves head coach Ben Ryan with one place to fill in the 12-man squad for the Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham this weekend.
Former captain Andy Vilk (Rugby Lions), Bristol-based Simon Hunt and newcomer Jeff Williams, a centre who played in the French Federale One league with RC Chateaurenard this season, are all in contention for the final spot as England aim to take another step forward after beating Australia, South Africa and Fiji before falling to champions New Zealand in the Glasgow final.
“It’s a tough break for Mark who’d come back from injury and trained hard with us – and he was only on the field for three minutes,” said Ryan.
“But we’ll go with what we’ve got and bring in one of the three who’ve been training with us regularly.
“Andy Vilk and Simon Hunt are experienced sevens internationals who’ve played and won big tournaments with England while Jeff has impressed us with the way he’s fitted into the group in the last month.”
Fijian-born soldier Damudamu has been a major presence in the England Sevens side since making his debut in 2007.
He returned from the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens last month to play for the Army but dislocated his left knee and suffered ligament damage that will require extensive rehabilitation.
“Damu sent us a good luck message last weekend in Glasgow and the thoughts of everyone in the England squad are with him,” said Ryan.
“He’s held in high regard around the world as a great player and a great ambassador for the sport and I know everyone involved in sevens wishes him well.”
