Speaking about the upcoming world series, Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “Our approach as we go through the world series will be to utilise the depth of what is a very strong squad as we go through to the Olympic year. We need the players to get an ample amount of game time so we can look at them with Rio in mind.

“Initially for Dubai, we’re going with an experienced squad with the aim to finish high in the series table so we can challenge for a top three seeding in the Olympics.

“In addition there will be a GB select side competing in the invitational tournament, led by Richie Pugh [GB Womens 7’s Assistant Coach].   It is a great opportunity for us to see the synergy and game understanding that we have been working on over the past three months with the nominated girls from the WRU and SRU.”

When it comes to the world series, Middleton knows that a successful campaign is no easy task with top seeds Australia drawn in Pool C alongside England, Japan and Spain.

“Australia are one of the best sides in the world and on their day, they are as good as anybody; they were the one side we couldn’t seem to get hold of, so we know we’ve some work to do to catch up to them but we’re confident we can do that.

“Japan are a very competitive and physical side, with high energy and Spain played really well towards the end of last year and had some good moments during our last two encounters, so they’ll both provide a really strong challenge in our group”

England Women Sevens: Claire Allan; Rachael Burford; Heather Fisher; Vicky Fleetwood; Fran Matthews; Katy Mclean; Alice Richardson (vice-capt); Emily Scarratt (capt); Michaela Staniford; Jo Watmore; Kay Wilson; Amy Wilson-Hardy

Fixtures: Thursday, December 3 (all times local, GMT +4 hours) – Japan (2.10pm), Spain (5.06pm) and Australia (7.41pm)