Poneke to the IRB Sevens World Series
Former Poneke FC Premier and Wellington Development player, Chris Brightwell has been selected as part of the England Sevens squad for the opening leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Dubai this weekend.
Brightwell moved to Wellington in 2006 from Hawke’s Bay and starred as a Number 8 and blindside flanker for Poneke Premiers. After being in England for two seasons, Brightwell has made it into the English side looking to repeat the form they found in the 2009 series, encapsulated with their winning performances in Wellington at the NZI Sevens and at their home tournament in London.
With an English passport, the Lower Hutt born Brightwell moved to England two years ago to play for Birmingham and Solihull. He grew up in Hawke’s Bay, attending Napier Boy’s High School before moving to Wellington where he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, Tu Brightwell, who played for Poneke Premiers and Colts.
Coach Ben Ryan has picked a squad with a strong combination of experience and young blood. Seven of the twelve players selected were apart the 2008/2009 squad that reached four finals.
"Everyone in the squad has worked very hard to get here. More hard work is around the corner for all of the players, but we go to Dubai and George with a good mix of players who can't wait to wear the white shirt with pride," said Ryan.
He went on to note with Brightwell being an ex-Kiwi that he would be looking to cement his place before the NZI Sevens in February next year.
Ryan set down the challenge to Brightwell and his new team mates saying, “It’s up to them now to prove that they deserve to be here.”
As this weekend kicks off the IRB Sevens World Series for 2009/2010, his English side should make it through day one unscathed with Kenya, United States and Russia in their pool.
From Dubai the tournament moves on to South Africa for the second leg of the series on the 11th and 12th December.
