Great Britain aim to put 'best foot forward at World Championship opener

Great Britain have been asked to put their “best foot forward” by Director of Rugby, Ciaran Beattie at the HSBC SVNS World Championship opener in Hong Kong.

Both of Great Britain’s squads finished eighth of eight in the overall HSBC SVNS Series standings after six tournaments. The Women’s side failed to pick up a win all season, while the men enjoyed a sixth-place finish in Cape Town before four  finishes at the bottom of the pile.

There is a decidedly more senior look to Great Britain’s Women in Hong Kong. Lauren Torley and Ellie Boatman join the squad to add an extra layer of Olympic experience, while Vicky Laflin, Reneeqa Bonner and Alicia Maude all have prior experience with GB.

The Women’s side are named in a tough Pool B with Series runners-up Australia, Canada and HSBC SVNS 2’s South Africa.

The Men’s squad sees a return for Rory McHaffie. The Edinburgh Rugby youngster missed the North America leg of the Series campaign while on duty with Scotland U20.

Charlton Kerr will captain the side in Pool B, where they will compete against Fiji, France and Germany.

Ciaran Beattie, GB7’s Director of Rugby, said: ”It’s great that these World Championships get to start out in Hong Kong, it’s an iconic event celebrating its 50th year, so already having landed on the ground we can feel a bit of an extra tension and buzz that’s amongst all the teams.

“The whole season has been a build-up to these next three tournaments [Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux] and we’ve been quite clear on that all throughout the season that these three tournaments are what we’re going after. We’ve had a great prep camp so we’re looking forward to putting our best foot forward on day one against France and Fiji.

“In the women’s side we welcome back two experienced Olympians in Lauren Torley and Ellie Boatman, who will no doubt add experience and pressure throughout the tournament. I’m very excited to see them continue their progression as they have done all season.

“In the men’s side we have a relatively consistent squad, however we’re welcoming back Rory McHaffie following his time in the Scotland Under 20’s. He’s come back in brilliant form and really earned his selection.”

After Hong Kong, World Championship events in Valladolid and Bordeaux will follow. It is imperative for both teams to finish in the top eight of the overall standing to avoid relegation to SVNS 2.

GB Women squad for Hong Kong

2. Abigail Brown(CC)
4. Grace Crompton
10. Katie Shillaker (CC)
23. Heather Cowell
24. Freya Aucken
25. Ella Lovibond
27. Georgie Lingham
36. Lauren Torley
42. Vicky Laflin
48. Reneeqa Bonner
57. Elie Boatman
60. Alicia Maude
67. Ellen Scatlebury

GB Men squad for Hong Kong

2. Ross McCann
4. Roan Frostwick
5. Marcus Kershaw
6. Matt Davidson
8. Jacob Henry
9. Rory McHaffie
11. Ethan Waddleton
12. Ben Salmon
13. Fin Lloyd-Gilmour
14. Ryan Apps
15. Tom Burton
24. Charlton Kerr (C)
44. Sunni Jardine