England Sevens coach Ben Ryan has kept a familiar look to his squad for the opening tournaments of the 2009-2010 International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series in Dubai and South Africa next month with a squad that includes Ben Gollings (pictured).

Gollings, the all-time leading point scorer in IRB Sevens history with 2,042, is named among a pool of 12 players, seven of who were part of the squads which reached finals in Dubai, Wellington, San Diego and London - winning two of the four - including

Australian-based Gollings is joined by the likes of Kevin Barrett, Chris Cracknell, Isoa Damu and Dan Norton, while England under-20 star Christian Wade is in line for his first outing on the sevens stage.

But Ryan will have to do without Ollie Phillips, his captain in 2008-2009 Series and the IRB Sevens Player of the Year, who is now playing for in the Top 14 Championship for leading French club Stade Francais.

Ryan said: "Everyone in the squad has worked very hard to get here.

"More hard work is around the corner for all of the players, but we go to Dubai and George [in South Africa] with a good mix of players who can't wait to wear the white shirt with pride."

England finished third overall last season with the titles in Wellington and London, both at the expense of New Zealand and secured either in the dying seconds or sudden death extra time.

Ryan's side will be looking to go one better than their final defeat by South Africa in Dubai last year and will face the United States, Russia and Kenya in Pool C at The Sevens on December 4.

A week later at the South African leg in George, England will find Tunisia, Scotland and Argentina awaiting them in the pool stages.

Article courtesy of Inside the Games.