REPLACEMENTS
8. Ben Earl (England and Saracens)
Onto the replacements bench now, with five players allowed to reinforce the bench in this exhausting version of rugby. First off, we’ve picked Ben Earl as an option in the ‘forwards’, due to his clinical tackling and unrelenting work ethic over the gain-line. Earl was at his very best throughout the Rugby World Cup, and frequently topped England’s tackling and carrying charts. An excellent all-rounder with and awesome engine, Earl would be a top asset to explode off the bench for Team GB.
9. George North (Wales and Ospreys)
We’ve selected George North in our squad, as the Wales legend is amongst the most versatile players for a sevens squad. Having come through the ranks out on the wing, North is experienced at taking on players at pace and making the key one-on-one tackles out wide. Having moved to centre during the latter stages of his career, North is an astute playmaker, and brings his own power game to the squad. Also, the Welshman tackles like a back-row, and has a highlight reel of big hits to his name.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland and Bath Rugby)
The mastermind in support of Marcus Smith, Finn Russell would be an excellent addition to the Team GB sevens squad. There are few players that can land a cross-field kick on a 20p piece, with Russell’s accuracy from the boot able to pinpoint his wingers for impressive tries in the corners. The Bath man also presents a classy passing skillset, with a knack to find his supporting runners with nicely weighted offloads. ‘The engineer’ of this fast moving machine, Russell would pull the strings and organise his flyers with aplomb.
11. Joe Marchant (England and Stade Francais)
The first of two stars that are currently plying their trade in France, Joe Marchant would bring another adaptable and dependable pair of hands into the back-line. The Stade Francais man presented his strengths across the midfield and out on the wings throughout the Rugby World Cup, as he has done for Harlequins throughout the past decade. A top class playmaker that never hesitates to back himself, Marchant will be sorely missed by England fans, yet would be a welcomed asset to Team GB.
12. Henry Arundell (England and Racing 92)
It was a tough choice, but after much deliberation Henry Arundell is on the bench behind Adam Radwan. After making waves at London Irish, England’s latest break-out star has found a new home at the appropriately named Racing 92, where he stays in Paris alongside Joe Marchant. Electrifying and exhilarating, Arundell scored a stunning hat-trick on his Top 14 debut, and would run rings around his opponents on the Olympic circuit.