Rio’s the target as London rivals clash in Sevens

 
2 August 2013

Tom Varndell and Chris Ashton will take the first steps on the road to the Rio Olympics when they go head-to-head in Sevens competition tomorrow.

The pair will battle it out at Saracens’ Allianz Park for a place in the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens final in Bath on August 9.

Varndell will spearhead Wasps’ charge against Ashton’s Saracens, last year’s champions London Irish, and Harlequins.

With rugby making its first Olympic appearance since 1924 — and Sevens making its debut — Varndell and Ashton are eager to make their mark.

Varndell has been picking up sprinting tips from London 2012 star Adam Gemili and knows the duel with Ashton is an opportunity to shine.

“Chris works very hard off the ball, he covers a lot of metres and that’s ideal for Sevens,” said Varndell. “His fitness is up there and that is what you need, he’s a pretty quick lad as well and he knows how to score tries.

“He’s got all the basic ingredients for a top-quality Sevens player. I don’t know how much experience he had had but he’ll be interesting to see.

“I would love to go to the Rio Olympics, so if I could play in a couple more tournaments that would be great. I was lucky enough to play in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne; it’s the same sort of environment as the Olympics so I’d love to do it.”

Ashton said: “Yes I’d love to play at the Olympics. I would be 29 so I might be a bit past it but hopefully not.”

Tickets and info:jpmorgan7s.com or @jpmorganrugby7s

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