By Gary Anderson

September 11 - Simon Amor takes over form Ben Ryan as England Sevens head coachThe Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced the appointment of former captain Simon Amor as the new England Sevens head coach replacing Ben Ryan, who stood down from the role last month after six years in charge.

The former scrum-half will take over his role with the international sevens set-up following four years as director of rugby at Championship club London Scottish.

The 34-year-old already has experience of coaching at international level, following his stint as head coach of the England Women's Sevens side when he led them to qualification for the 2009 Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Amor's first task will be to prepare his England side for the start of the HSBC Rugby Sevens World Series which is due to get underway in Australia on October 12 and 13, while expectations will be high going into the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in July next year.

"I'm delighted to have been given the chance to lead England Sevens at such an exciting time in the development of the sport," said Amor, who won Commonwealth Games silver at Melbourne 2006.

"England have a talented squad and my focus is on helping the players realise their potential in the HSBC Sevens World Series, at next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and beyond.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time putting the full-time programme in place at London Scottish.

"The future for the club in the Championship looks very bright and I'm grateful for the opportunity they've given me to develop my career."

The man from Kingston-upon-Thames enjoyed a successful spell in the 15-a-side game, having played for London Irish, Gloucester and London Wasps.

Simon Amor lead England to four successive Hong Kong Sevens titles between 2002 and 2006Simon Amor (centre) lead England to four successive Hong Kong Sevens titles between 2002 and 2006

























However, it is in sevens rugby that he enjoyed his biggest successes, having played in 43 International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens tournaments and captaining England to four consecutive Hong Kong Sevens titles between 2002 and 2006.

Amor was also the inaugural winner of the IRB Sevens Player of the Year award in 2004.

"We had a strong field of candidates for the role of England Sevens head coach and Simon came out on top in a very competitive process," said head of international player development at the RFU, Joe Lydon, whom Amor played under when he was England head coach.

"He's an outstanding individual who has the coaching, managerial and leadership skills to take the England Sevens programme forward and shape its strategic role in our international player development pathway.

"I'm looking forward to working closely with him.

"I'd also like to thank London Scottish for the positive and professional way they have engaged with us to make the transition as smooth as possible for all parties."

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