The 2011 Emirates Airline London Sevens on 21-22 May is set to be yet another fascinating weekend in the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series, according to England's head coach Ben Ryan. 

With just two legs remaining England currently sit 13 points behind Series leaders New Zealand and the penultimate leg will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the outcome of the 2010/11 Series.

But Ryan believes that the home environment will boost his side's chances of closing the gap on New Zealand and taking out their first ever World Series title.

"We are just a week from the tournament and there is nothing better than playing in front of your home crowd," said Ryan.

"Playing at home gives us the opportunity to go that little bit harder earlier in training, which wouldn't be the same if we had just landed in New Zealand or Australia for example.

Who will win the 2011 Emirates Airline London Sevens? >>

"As our home event we want to do well and whereas when we play around the world people back home don't often see us due to the time differences, everyone will be here, so this is our opportunity to put on a show.

"Everyone has worked really hard all season and they want to show that here in front of the home crowd."

Tournament growth

Speaking after a training day with the media and members of the first official charity sponsor of the Emirates Airline London Sevens - the Prostate Cancer Charity - Ryan added that this partnership with the charity was another step in the right direction for the tournament in London which is continuing to grow.

"We're delighted to welcome the Prostate Cancer Charity on board and all men need to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms, and increasing that awareness is important work.

"This is another part of what is an exciting time to be involved with the tournament and knowing that the ticket sales have also gone up, the whole event has been boosted this year.

"One of the RFU goals is to make London a huge success and three days ago we had sold 80,000 tickets. With the remaining sales I think we could have the biggest single day attendance for a World Series event in the 12-year history which is brilliant for us.

"We are also in a position where we are in with a shout of the overall World Series title so it couldn't be set up better really."

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England have appeared in four of the six finals this season, but only recorded maximum points in the opening leg of the season in Dubai after a 29-21 victory against reigning World Series champions Samoa.

"We are getting stronger"

To win the overall Series, however, England know realistically they have to do better than New Zealand at Twickenham - a side who beat them in their other three Cup finals in South Africa, New Zealand and Hong Kong. 

But, whatever happens in the final two legs of the season, Ryan believes this is only the beginning for an England side that has had one of the most consistent squads throughout the year.

"Whatever happens this season, we think we have overpeformed. It was our phase one in where we want the programme to go and it is definitely getting stronger. Most of these guys will be signing longer contracts so it is only going in one direction, but that does not mean we don't want to do a job here," added Ryan

"It has hugely helped us this season [having centrally contracted players]. I think we will only end up capping, injuries withstanding, 15 players, which smashes any record England has previously had. It shows consistency and trust in the players we have contracted to come up with the goods.

"The team have had a very consistent season, they might have wanted to win one or two more of those finals, but I think if anyone had said we would be in with a chance for the World Series coming into London then we would have taken that."

England face Pool B matches with USA, France and Argentina on day one of the 2011 Emirates Airline London Sevens at Twickenham and will be looking to win the home tournament for the first time since 2009 when they beat New Zealand 31-26 in sudden death extra time.

Media watch: Pool B team profiles >>

England win 2009 London Sevens


The event, where journalists joined Ryan and the England squad on the pitch at Twickenham, was staged by the Rugby Football Union and the Prostate Cancer Charity.

The charity's ambassador and England rugby legend Roger Uttley said: "The Prostate Cancer Charity recognises the importance of sport as a platform to reach men, to raise awareness of prostate cancer and help raise funds to tackle it.

"My close friend and fellow teammate Andy Ripley, who died from prostate cancer in June last year, brought the charity much closer to the rugby world. Andy's decision to speak very publicly about his own battle with prostate cancer and his support of this charity has encouraged rugby players and fans the world over to help fight prostate cancer and be far more aware of this disease."

As part of the partnership, the charity will be at Twickenham for the Emirates Airline London Sevens helping to get rugby fans thinking about their health.

You can watch the penultimate leg of the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series and join the beach party on May 21-22 at Twickenham Stadium in the Emirates Airline London Sevens. Tickets are available from £15 via rfu.com/londonsevens