'Lessons learnt' for Vickerman
England Sevens captain Rob Vickerman says England have learned their lessons from the 2009 World Cup Sevens and they won’t be making the same mistakes again when they kick-off their challenge in Moscow on Friday.
Vickerman is one of just two survivors from the World Cup Sevens four years ago, alongside fellow forward James Rodwell. England finished fifth at that tournament after being knocked out in the quarterfinals by Samoa.
"My abiding memory of 2009 is that of utter disappointment," said Vickerman.
"Getting knocked out at the quarterfinals when all four top seeds fell was crushing. I’ve got a picture of me at home with my now wife in the crowd and there is just sheer devastation on my face.
"The guys in the changing room were shattered. That is something I am definitely going to take with me because we can have no regrets in Moscow.
"This is a one off, all gunning blazing event and we can leave nothing behind if we are to be successful," Vickerman added.
Vickerman leads an exciting squad this time around, a squad that includes top try scorer in this season’s World Sevens Series Dan Norton. Norton was also named the England Sevens Player of the Year last month.
Also nominated for the Sevens Player of the Year award was Marcus Watson and Tom Powell and they both make the squad alongside Mat Turner and Tom Mitchell who have recently returned from injury.
"I am honoured to be leading this team.
"For me I am just doing my bit and contributing how I can. I am lucky there are lots of players here who are natural leaders," mentioned the captain.
Vickerman is hugely positive about the squad that they have taken to Moscow and feels that they have a great blend of players to have a good go at the title.
"This is a really exciting squad; we have got some quick and agile backs and a dogged set of forwards who I know can achieve a lot.
"If we are physical and bring our A game to Russia then I think we can do some damage," said Vickerman.
England will play Portugal on Friday and then Hong Kong and Argentina in the pool stages on Saturday.
England Sevens squad: Tom Powell, James Rodwell, Mike Ellery, Rob Vickerman (Captain), Jeffrey Williams, John Brake, Mat Turner, Tom Mitchell, Christian Lewis-Pratt, Marcus Watson, Dan Norton, Mark Odejobi
