James Cordy-Redden (Loveday 2011) has been selected for the full England sevens squad for the 2015-16 IRB World Sevens Series.
James, who lives in Cranleigh, was a key member of the 1st xv between 2009 and 2011, helping side win 10 out of their 12 matches in 2010 as well as being a key component to the sevens side who won two tournaments out of the four entered in 2011. After leaving Cranleigh, James went to university in Bristol and continued his rugby development with Welsh premiership club side Cross keys. James becomes the first Cranleighan to be offered a full-time professional contract with the national sevens squad.
He could actually play for Wales through his grandparents from Cowbridge, and is dual qualified thanks to his New Zealander father Paul. “It was a bit of a shock getting the call from England but this is a great opportunity,” James said. “I’ve got so much to thank Wales for in kick-starting things.”
Andy Houston said: “James is one of the most gifted seven’s players we have produced here at Cranleigh. He worked tirelessly at his game and I’m not surprised that he has been rewarded with this contract. It is a great story and he sets a wonderful example for how hard work really does pay off. He will now represent his country, playing all over the world, in world class stadiums, in front of huge crowds and I couldn’t be more proud”
James joins both Henry Taylor and Harry Elrington who have signed professional contracts with Saracens and London Irish for the 2016 season.
Rugby Sevens is set to make its Olympic debut at Rio in 2016.