Pellow relishing Sevens challenge

Exeter Chiefs skills coach Ricky Pellow insists his charges will be going all out for a maiden J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s title when the action gets underway next month.

The Chiefs are now an established top-flight outfit and have contested every J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s competition since it was founded in 2010, reaching finals weekend in the first year ahead of their inaugural Aviva Premiership campaign.

Pellow will once again lead the team this year - having done so for the past two seasons - and they travel to Kingsholm for the group stages on August 1 when they will lock horns with hosts Gloucester, Bath and Worcester Warriors.

And while the Chiefs could be forgiven for taking the event lightly ahead of a season that will once again see Heineken Cup rugby come to Sandy Park, Pellow is adamant that will not be the case in what the club view as a crucial pre-season tool.

"When we first arrived in the Premiership it was a good stepping stone for us and this year will be no different," he said. "We have taken it a little more seriously in terms of preparation. We are probably better prepared than in previous years.

"The first one was a big one for us, coming up into the Premiership. Now we use it as a chance to make a statement. It is a good opportunity for us to put a marker down as a club - we are going to work very hard to make that happen."

Exeter's future is certainly looking bright with five players included in the England squad that won the Junior World Championship in France last month, with four starting in the final against Wales.

Among those to feature were England Under-20s starlets Jack Nowell (pictured above), Joel Conlon (pictured below), Jack Arnott and Henry Slade and Pellow admits he is excited about the prospect of those two featuring in this summer's J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s.

"It is going to be massive for us if we can field some younger players. Jack and Henry played last year so for those guys coming back they are going to be on a high and they will add some real quality there," he added. "We also have some players who have played some 7s, so if we can get the right balance we have a real chance.

"Last year at Gloucester the atmosphere was brilliant and sums up how the tournament has grown. There were four or five teams really going at it and the 7s that was played was absolutely outstanding. If you can bring some of those guys into that environment, it's good for those younger guys and it's also good for the more senior guys if they are coming back from injury. It is a good competition because whatever side you put out it's going to be a good day for your club. I think it's a great tournament."

The J.P Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s kicks off on 1st August at Kingsholm with rounds at Franklin's Gardens and Allianz Park and the Final at The Recreation Ground. For tickets and more information visit: www.jpmorgan7s.com or follow @jpmorganrugby7s