Scimitar Storm are all set for Sevens season. We look back at their recent success, targets for 2023 as well as stars to look out for in the upcoming campaign…
Success from 2021/22
Across 2021 and 2022 Scimitar Storm went from strength to strength on the Sevens circuit.
They finished in 2nd place overall in the UK’s Super Sevens Series ahead of some of the most well-established teams in the game like the Army and Apache 7s, as well as international outfits like Hong Kong, China and Nigeria.
The series, which included legs at Newbury, London Irish, Stafford and Aldershot, witnessed Storm win the Stafford series after a thrilling battle with the Army in the final.
Over 40 players represented Storm across six competitions during this period, showing the growth of the team, while two players, James Naylor and Sam Kildunne, picked up international caps for England last summer.
Targets for 2023
Storm will be looking to grab their opportunity as they explore high-profile competitions this summer – heading to Amsterdam 7s, Edinburgh City 7s and South Island 7s (formerly Isle of Wight 7s).
The team continues to grow and this July, Storm will have two teams competing on the same day – one in South Island 7s and another at Cheltenham 7s Festival.
Aiming to attract high-quality 7s purists and 15s players from the National Leagues, Storm are raring to go for an exciting 2023.
Core Players
James Naylor
Playing History: Sedbergh School, Driffield RFC, Newcastle Falcons Academy, Loughborough University, Scimitar Storm 7s, England 7s
What to expect: Fancy footwork and tricks aplenty make up his armoury of skills. A livewire around the pitch who can produce a moment of magic out of nothing.
Ryan Apps
Playing History: Bedford School, Northampton Saints Academy, Loughborough University, Bedford Blues, Scimitar Storm 7s
What to expect: “The FASTEST man on the circuit” was commonly the reference to the ability of our speedster last year. A breakout season saw him catch the eyes of everyone last campaign, culminating with the opportunity to train with England 7s. Keep your eyes out for him again this year. But blink and you’ll miss him!
Will Sanders
Playing History: Cobham RFC, Harlequins Academy, Loughborough University, Saracens, Scimitar Storm 7s
What to expect: Captain of the side last campaign, a seasoned 7s player who knows how to front up. Intelligent on the ball and a smart decision-maker when under pressure.
George Barber
Playing History: Sedbergh School, Loughborough University, Scimitar Storm 7s – England 7s
What to expect: With plenty of 7s experience and knowledge, keep an eye out for his explosive play around the pitch. With an ability to pounce on any errors, defences can be left for dead should they slip up.
Tomiwa Agbongbon
Playing History: Loughborough University, Leicester Tigers, Houston SaberCats, Scimitar Storm 7s
What to expect: There is no one more athletic on a 7s pitch than Tomiwa Agbongbon. As teams begin to fatigue, watch him come to light as he goes length-to-length with the ball in hand. A hard hitter in defence, you know when he is around.
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