Sevens winners Amor and Friday link up again

Dubai: Behind every good team, as the saying goes, is a good coaching set-up and the England women's squad has one of the very best in the sevens business.

Simon Amor and Mike Friday were captain and coach, respectively, when the England men clinched Dubai glory in 2004 and 2005.

And they could easily be working with any of the IRB teams chasing success in the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens which gets underway tomorrow at the new venue The Sevens.

But the pair are teaming up again as the off-field brains behind the England women's set-up, playing in the tournament under Phil Greening's Sporting Chance children's charity banner.

They are amongst the favourites, along with US, Canada and rugby charity side Wooden Spoon, for the women's title but Amor has one eye on the Rugby World Cup Sevens which will also be held in Dubai next year.

It will feature a 16-team women's tournament for the first time.

First time

Amor said: "A lot of our players will be in Dubai for the first time so this is a very important few days for us.

"It means the world cup next year won't be something out of the blue."

Amor, speaking after a training session at Dubai College with the Dubai Exiles' ladies and youth squads, was relishing his new role.

He said: "There's some super talent in this squad and we're pretty solid across the board.

"Things are coming together really well and I'm looking forward to seeing how the team performs.

"It's a fantastic programme and very enjoyable to be part of."