The squad is being coached by Jon Skurr and has progressed successfully through the previous qualification rounds which took place in May in Denmark, where they finished runners-up to an experienced Wales team, and then in Poland, where they won the tournament. 

Skurr has named his 12-man squad to play in Hanover and includes many players who have been part of the previous qualifying tournaments. The squad is bolstered with the inclusion of Ireland A Churchill Cup players Darren Cave and Ian Keatley, who have both already played for the Sevens team, alongside Keith Earls and Brian Touhy.

Only the top five teams at the end of the tournament will automatically qualify for the World Cup next year, so manager Hugh McCaughey and the rest of the squad are focusing on preparing well in an effort to qualify for the finals in Dubai

“Our minimum goal at the start of this campaign was always to qualify for the World Cup and we have been happy with our performances to get to this point,” McCaughey said.. “The squad has developed and improved since our first outing in May, but this tournament will require another step up in performance. 

“The skills required for sevens play and the tactical awareness of the players has improved greatly in our time together and with a strong squad we believe we are in with a chance of winning the tournament if things go well. 

“Next week we will come together for a short training camp before heading to Germany on Thursday ahead of our first game on Saturday.  Although we are at the end of the season, the boys are very much up for it and have enjoyed the tournaments so far, so hopefully we can come home with the prize of qualification.”