John Brake and Mike Ellery will make their long-awaited return for England Sevens when they take the field in Moscow for the second leg of the FIRA-AER European Grand Prix Series this weekend.
The duo spent the last six months on the sidelines injured but, with the Commonwealth Game in Glasgow only a month away, they are fit and included in strong England side which will travel to Russia.
Captain Tom Mitchell, James Rodwell, Tom Powell, Dan Bibby and Dan Norton are all included while London Irish No.8 Mark Bright and London Wasps centre will make their second appearance after the first leg Lyon last month reinforcing speculations they will be involved Glasgow.
Head Coach Simon Amor said: “Both Mike Ellery and John Brake have put in some excellent performances for us during the World Series so it’s great to have them back in time to put their hands up for the Games. Mike brings power and physicality in his position and John’s determination is a real asset to the team.
“We are approaching this tournament with the Commonwealth Games very much in mind. The squad are still going through an intense conditioning period but it is a great opportunity to try out different combinations against strong competition.”
England Sevens: Dan Bibby, John Brake, Mark Bright, Phil Burgess, Mike Ellery, Charlie Hayter, Christian Lewis-Pratt, Tom Mitchell, Dan Norton, Tom Powell, James Rodwell, Mat Turner.