Rugby ace Marlie Packer misses out on England FIRA/AER Sevens Grand Prix ...

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MARLIE Packer has missed out on a place in England’s squad for next week’s Sevens Grand Prix as their head coach keeps one eye on the XVs World Cup.

Head coach Simon Middleton has mixed up his squad for the first leg of the FIRA/AER competition in Moscow, Russia, including three uncapped players.

Richmond’s Joanne Watmore is one of the more high-profile recalls, included in the travelling party have been omitted from the Elite Playing Squad last September and most recently playing for England at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Middleton said: “As the XVs Rugby World Cup nears, we are using this tournament as an opportunity to give some of our younger, up and coming players some invaluable experience in top level rugby.

“At the same time, this is also a chance for some of our players who have appeared on the Sevens World Series the chance to step up and take on a more senior role.

“It is also encouraging to welcome Joanne back to the squad and we look forward to seeing how she fairs after a year out from international rugby.”

England, who finished fourth in the Sevens World Series behind New Zealand, Australia and Canada, will play Ireland, Portugal and Belgium in the pool stages on Saturday, June 7 before hoping to tackle the knock out rounds on Sunday.

Middleton added: “Obviously we are going into this tournament looking to do as well as we can. It would be great to win it but the most important thing is that we can use this series as a development tool for our sevens squad. These could be players who are integral to our World Series challenge next season.”

Rugby ace Marlie Packer misses out on England FIRA/AER Sevens Grand Prix ...