Jo hopes for glory in Dubai

Shropshire's Jo Yapp says England's dry run in Dubai in November will help put them in a good starting position come the kick-off of tomorrow's IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens.

England competed in the Dubai Sevens in November and came out tournament winners, but at the same time they got the chance to experience all elements of what it's like to play rugby in Dubai.

Yapp, who grew up in Clee Hill and now plays for Worcester, is the former England XVs captain and has come out of retirement for the Sevens world cup.

She said: "It's definitely comforting to have a dry run of what playing rugby in Dubai is like. All of the squad came here in November, and that has really helped our build-up preparations.

"We have experienced the hot conditions here, which is hugely important because the heat could have taken its toll on us.

"We are also training at the same ground as before, so there is nothing to surprise us and we have already played in the sevens stadium in front of a packed crowd.

"All this can only help our preparations and make us feel more at ease come the start of the World Cup."

England kick start their World Cup campaign against the USA and then play Japan and Russia on the same day.

The quarter, semis and finals all take place on Saturday.