Arabian Gulf 7's team announced

Dubai: Mike Lunjevich, the head coach of the Arabian Gulf 7's team, has released the squad of 12 players who will represent the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union at this year's Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Arabian Gulf, who qualified for the tournament as hosts, have been drawn in a tough pool comprising New Zealand, Italy and Tonga.

They start their campaign against Tonga on March 5, followed by two back-to-back matches the following day against Italy and giants New Zealand.

Stephen Cooper, who did a fantastic job in leading the side to the runners-up spot in the Shield Final of the 2008 Dubai Rugby 7s, has once again been handed the captain's armband. The selectors have retained a line-up similar to the one that participated in last year's event at The Sevens.

Lunjevich said: "This is undoubtedly the strongest squad that the Arabian Gulf has fielded, and cutting the squad to 12 players was very difficult as several of the guys not selected pushed really hard."

"Competition for spots is what all teams need and now these 12 have to deliver what the coaching and management team know they are capable of. We are all very excited and itching to get started," he added.