England, Wales and Scotland combined as Great Britain ahead of this season’s World Series but the results on the pitch have been underwhelming with GB finding themselves down in 10th in the men’s standings.
This weekend’s Twickenham event was due to be the highlight of the GB squad’s season, but the uncertainty over their futures has left a sour taste in players’ mouths - with some even questioning if it’s worth playing at the home of English rugby.
Combining the three nations has inflicted serious challenges with fewer opportunities for sevens players in the UK than ever before.
Freddie Roddick, 24, who had scored 150 points before this weekend, told The Rugby Paper how he and his teammates are forced to play without knowing their future.
He said: “It’s been tricky. Having three nations amalgamated into one sometimes feels like none of the unions want to look after you and you feel like the odd one out as no one wants to take responsibility for you.
“We sometimes feel like a second thought but as a group we’re very together and inside the environment everyone wants the best and it almost brings you together more. But there’s lots of challenges and uncertainty.
“None of us know what’s happening next year. So, ahead of the weekend there were boys questioning if they want to play. No one wants to turn down an opportunity to play at a packed Twickenham as it’s an awesome experience but it really shows the stress and turmoil in boys’ heads when certain lads are considering if it’s worth playing.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 21, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 21, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
