We also hear from a stellar cast including Jonny Wilkinson, Iain Balshaw and Lawrence Dallaglio as well as England youngster Jonathan Joseph.

England forwards coach Rowntree has first-hand experience in South Africa as forwards coach with the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and insists any side that wants to win there has to earn the right to play at the breakdown.

He also analyses the prospects for newcomers like Tom Youngs, Graham Kitchener and Joe Launchbury who are all part of Stuart Lancaster’s 42-strong touring squad.

Centre Joseph, coached by new England man Mike Catt at London Irish, tells us he’s ready to stake his claim on tour and in the Killick Cup game against the Barbarians on May 27 at Twickenham Stadium.

World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon) and Iain Balshaw (Biarritz) talk about being on opposite sides on Friday night at the Stoop in the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup.

The Dallaglio-Flintoff Cycle Slam is due to finish on Friday after an epic 2,872km trek from Greece to London raising money for Cancer Research UK and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Dallaglio reports on his progress and weighs up the prospects for Leinster and Ulster at Twickenham Stadium in this weekend’s Heineken Cup final.

England Women’s Sevens Head Coach Barry Maddocks has called up Sarah McKenna (pictured right) and Kate Hancock to the England squad to compete in the Amsterdam Sevens this weekend.

Wasps’ McKenna was part of the squad that lifted the IRB Challenge Cup Sevens at Twickenham Stadium last weekend, while Kate Hancock is a newcomer to the squad. Hancock has progressed through the RFUW Regional Programme and the RFUW Sevens Development Squad.

McKenna and Hancock replace Heather Fisher and Kay Wilson who both picked up injuries at the weekend.

Saracens’ Sonia Green will captain the side, taking over the captaincy armband from Wasps’ Michaela Staniford who is being rested for this tournament.

Also new to the England squad are Wasps’ Natasha Brennan and Bristol’s Katie Mason. The duo join a line-up mixed with experience and youth. The likes of Jenny Brightmore and Emily Scott will also be looking to build on their experiences with England in Dubai.

12 international teams will compete for the coveted Amsterdam Sevens crown and England will face the USA, South Africa and Wales in Pool A. Pool B pits Canada, Spain, France and newcomers Ireland against each other, with the final pool seeing the hosts take on Australia, Germany and Scotland.

Maddocks said: “It is obviously frustrating for both Heather and Kay that they have been ruled out through injury, but in Sarah and Kate we have two exciting young players. Sarah put in another good performance at Twickenham at the weekend while Kate has proved herself in the RFUW Sevens Development Squad and also impressed at the recent RFUW Open Sevens Trials. This is a very different looking squad to the team that won in London, but it is important that we use our wide pool of players and develop our squad as much as possible ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens next year.”

England Sevens Squad  

Abigail            Chamberlain(Richmond)

Natasha         Brennan        (Wasps)

Jennifer         Brightmore    (Worcester)

Rachael         Burford           (Richmond)

Sonia             Green (C)      (Saracens)

Kate    Hancock        (Plymouth Albion (on loan to Worcester))

Natasha         Hunt   (Lichfield)

Katie   Mason            (Bristol)

SarahMcKenna       (Wasps)

Alice   Richardson   (Richmond)

Leanne          Riley   (Saracens)

Emily  Scott   (Thurrock)

More than 90,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament – launched today at the EDF Energy London Eye and the London Marriott Hotel County Hall with coaches and captains from the competing nations – and this weekend’s total attendance is expected to climb past last year’s high of 100,094.

The Marriott London Sevens is also the final major event in the calendar before the sport is welcomed into the Olympic family after the London 2012 Games, and for the first time both men’s and women’s events will be staged at Twickenham.

New Zealand are close to completing the defence of their overall HSBC Sevens World Series title, with Fiji in second place. Dubai champions England are in third and aiming to finish on a high after their impressive performances at Glasgow last weekend.

The IRB Women’s Challenge Cup sees England aiming to add more silverware to their collection after lifting the Hong Kong title with hot competition expected from the likes of World Cup winners Australia and Dubai title-holders Canada.

The tournament’s ‘70s Disco theme will attract thousands in fancy dress and create a carnival atmosphere with house band Love Train playing live inside the stadium and a Funky Town fan village in the West Car Park as well as a host of other entertainment for supporters of all ages.

Rob Andrew, RFU Professional Rugby Director, said: “The Marriott London Sevens continues to grow and get bigger and better each year both on and off the pitch, which is a testimony to the strength of the event and the appeal of the sport.

“This weekend, for the first time, Twickenham Stadium is the finale of what may be the most competitive HSBC Sevens World Series of them all.

“The athleticism and skill levels of the players are astonishing now and that goes for the women’s game as well as the men’s, with two competitions running alongside each other throughout the weekend.”

Ben Ryan, England Sevens Head Coach, said: “We get great support around the world from England fans but there’s nothing we enjoy more than coming home to Twickenham Stadium, where we get great support and where the atmosphere will be electric this weekend.

“Over this season we’ve made some decent progress and England has got two players at the top of the try-scoring charts for the first time ever in Dan Norton and Mat Turner. They are part of a team committed to playing an exciting brand of sevens that we hope will have the crowd on their feet.

“It’s important for us to finish on a high here. We believe we’re at the start of something special with England Sevens and we want to increase the momentum all the way from here to challenge for the title next season before heading to the World Cup in Russia next summer.”

Beth Coalter, IRB Sevens Tournament Director, said: “It is hugely exciting for everyone to be in London for the climax of 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series. The prospect of playing at a packed Twickenham is something that is very special for all of the players and to launch it today on the London Eye with a birds-eye view of the city is stunning.

“From the top you can just about make out London’s new Olympic venues, which also serves of a stark reminder that Rugby Sevens makes its Olympic debut in Rio in just four years’ time. I’m sure the finest men’s and women’s Sevens players in the world will put on a show this weekend, deliver a taster of what is to come at Rio 2016 and repay what is expected to be another record crowd for Sevens.”

Join the 70s Disco at the Marriott London Sevens. Tickets are now available for the ninth and final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series this weekend on 12th & 13th May 2012, with weekend passes starting from £30, single day tickets from £18 and kids tickets at £5 each day.

Tickets will be available in advance until midday on Friday 11thMay, and then in person from the RFU Ticket Office across the weekend. Visit www.rfu.com/londonsevensfor further details.  (Tickets are subject to availability and booking fees apply).

With just one round left to play in the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series, in England’s capital London, Tomasi Cama (NZ), Frank Halai (NZ) and Mat Turner (ENG) have been nominated for the award.

The outstanding trio were shortlisted from a vote by the management teams of the 12 core sides who compete at each and every round of the Series.

The winner will be announced following the conclusion of the Marriott London Sevens, at Twickenham Stadium on 13 May.

Fijian-born playmaker Cama is up for the award for the second year running, having lost out to South Africa’s Cecil Afrika last season. Cama’s sharp rugby brain and astute Sevens acumen has once again been a key factor behind New Zealand’s drive for a 10th World Series success. He is also currently the season’s top point-scorer with 330 and has 28 tries to his name.

Giant wing Frank Halai has also touched down 28 times for the New Zealanders this season. His powerful presence out wide has often proved the difference for the kiwis, no more so than at their home event in Wellington and also in Port Elizabeth, where they won back to back titles.

For England, Mat Turner has produced performances of a consistently high level. Operating from the scrum-half position and out wide, his pace off the mark and eye for a gap has often lifted his side and his was the telling contribution when Ben Ryan’s men retained the Cup title in Dubai, and reached the final in Glasgow.

"Between them, these three players perfectly sum up the skill, excitement, pace and power on show in our magnificent Olympic game of Rugby Sevens," said IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset.

"All three have been outstanding players and sportsmen this season and to be shortlisted by the teams they have played against shows just how significant their individual contributions have been."

You can vote on the IRB Sevens Player of the Year 2012 on the IRB’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/irbsevens

England Sevens star, Chris Cracknell and women’s captain, Michaela Staniford took to the Twickenham skies to unveil the new England kit which will feature at the final two tournaments of the HSBC Sevens World Series, Glasgow (5th and 6th May) and the Marriott London Sevens (12th and 13th May).

The pair posed on the roof of the Home of England Rugby where over 100, 000 fans are expected across the tournament weekend when London hosts the finale and the series’ trophy is lifted.

The white home kit and purple away kit feature vibrant yellow stripes down the arms and chest which are fitting for this year’s Marriott London Sevens 1970s disco theme.  Fans can complement the striking colours with afro wigs and groovy glasses! 

The previous orange design,  which was referred to as the ‘tequila sunrise’ has set a precedent for  sevens shirts with a difference and was worn during victories by the men in Dubai in 2010 and 2011 and more recently by the women’s team which lifted the IRB Women’s Challenge Cup Sevens trophy in Hong Kong in March.

Cracknell said: “The Marriott London Sevens is the event that the boys really look forward to as the atmosphere and home support is always amazing.  The new kit is equally as crazy as the last design and I’m sure will be just as popular with the fans.  I’m looking forward to seeing it around the stadium when we run out in a few weeks.”

Staniford added: “Having played in Dubai and Hong Kong, we’re looking forward to competing against the world’s best players on home soil and we’ll certainly stand out in this brilliant kit featuring a touch of 70s flair.  A ticket for the men’s tournament also provides access to the early rounds for the women at Twickenham’s Cardinal Vaughan before the semis and final take place on the Sunday on the Twickenham pitch.”

The Marriott London Sevens is the perfect day out for rugby fans and families alike, with a range of activities and entertainments to suit all. The Saturday of competition at last year’s event broke the HSBC Sevens World Series record for the highest attendance on a single day and with over 60,000 tickets already sold, the 2012 event is on course to be even bigger and better.

Martin Johnson talks through England’s team selection for the big game and we preview the match with full back Ben Foden and number eight James Haskell.

We’re also with former England boss Andy Robinson, who sizes up the task facing his men on Saturday at Eden Park.

Elsewhere our roving reporter Nick Heath catches up with England’s travelling fans in the aftermath of the 67-3 win over Romania.

There’s an England v Scotland flavour back home, where Josh Lewsey and Kenny Logan announce their participation in December’s Heroes Rugby Challenge at Twickenham Stadium.

And we meet Gavin Cattle, the captain of the Cornish Pirates side who lead the race at the top of the RFU Championship after last weekend’s big win over Leeds Carnegie.

Will James (Gloucester Rugby) has been cited for striking an opponent in the Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens on September 4.

Both cases will be heard by an RFU disciplinary panel at the Reading South Holiday Inn on Tuesday, September 13.

The panel is comprised of John Doubleday (chairman), Dan White and Mike Curling.

The London Irish wing, who makes his first appearance at this level, will replace Greg Barden, who returns home to play for the Royal Navy.

Watson, 19, has played for England’s Under 20 side and appeared at last year’s IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina.

He should be suited to this weekend’s playing surface at the Adelaide Oval, which is regarded as the quickest pitch on the HSBC Sevens World Series circuit.

"Marcus has fitted in really well and looked very sharp in training," said England head coach Ben Ryan.

"He makes his debut for us on a pitch that should really suit him and adds to the options among our outside backs alongside the likes of Dan Caprice, Dan Norton and Mathew Turner."

England have been edged into second place in the HSBC Sevens World Series after being beaten 29-17 by New Zealand in the final of last weekend’s Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.

But there are three tournaments remaining in which they can regain top spot and a first ever title with Adelaide followed bythe Emirates Airline London Sevens (May 21-22) and the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens (May 28-29).

England face Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Argentina on Saturday in Adelaide with the group winners likely to play Kenya or Wales in Sunday’s quarter finals.

You can watch the England Sevens team in action and join the beach party on May 21 and 22 at Twickenham Stadium in the Emirates Airline London Sevens, the penultimate leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series. Tickets are available from £15 via rfu.com/londonsevens

England Squad: John Brake England Sevens), Dan Caprice (England Sevens), Chris Cracknell (England Sevens), Ben Gollings (England Sevens), Ollie Lindsay-Hague (Harlequins), Dan Norton (Bristol Rugby), Mark Odejobi (Esher and Brunel Univ), Tom Powell (England Sevens), James Rodwell (England Sevens), Nick Royle (England Sevens), Mathew Turner (England Sevens), Marcus Watson (London Irish).

HSBC Sevens World Series rankings: 1 New Zealand 110pts, 2 England 105, 3 Fiji 84, 4 Samoa 84, 5 South Africa 72, 6 Australia 46.

Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) returns at loose head prop in place of Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), who reverts to the bench in place of David Wilson (Bath Rugby).

England
15 Ben Foden (Northampton Saints)
14 Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints)
13 Mike Tindall (Gloucester Rugby, captain)
12 Shontayne Hape (Bath Rugby)
11 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
10 Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers) 
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) 
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks)
2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
4 Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers)    
5 Tom Palmer (Stade Francais)
6 Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)
7 James Haskell (Stade Francais)
8 Nick Easter (Harlequins)

Replacements
16 Steve Thompson (Leeds Carnegie)
17 Alex Corbisiero (London Irish)        
18 Simon Shaw (London Wasps)
19 Hendre Fourie (Leeds Carnegie)
20 Danny Care (Harlequins)
21 Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon)
22 Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)

John Steele CE of RFU

John Steele took up the top job in English rugby this week as the RFU’s new Chief Executive and spelled out his vision for the long-term future of the game.

The former Northampton Saints fly half and Heineken Cup winning coach joins from UK Sport after overseeing the development of Britain’s Olympic teams and will bring that know-how back into rugby.

At the core is how England will exploit the opportunities generated by hosting Rugby World Cup 2015.

“There are some clear parallels from the Olympics. First how do we put on a great show and how is the investment we put into the event going to help our sport and our game,” said Steele. “The Rugby World Cup in 2015 presents a real opportunity for us to grow the game in all sorts of areas. It’s an event that can really drive positive change.”