Dave Seymour hopes the Barclays Churchill Cup will boost his standing as a 15-a-side player after starring for England at sevens.

And after impressing in England Saxons' opener against Scotland A, Saracens' former Chinnor flanker is already doing that.

Seymour, 21, stood out despite England's 13-7 defeat to Scotland in Toronto the final leg of a season that has seen him take in Dubai, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and a Commonwealth Games silver medal in Melbourne.

He said: "I obviously want to be known as a 15-a-side player, not just a sevens player.

"I like to think that one of my strengths is being effective on the floor, whether it's slowing it down or stealing it.

"This is a good chance for me to assess myself against an extremely high standard."

Seymour's pony tail is his trademark in the Premiership and it looks set to stay.

He said: "I suppose it's like players with orange gloves - refs can see them when they have got their hands on the ball; with me they can spot me at the bottom of a ruck.

"It's more noticeable if I'm trying to be a bit cheeky down there on the floor. But if you are doing it right, they can't blow you up anyway."

He added: "I did a bit of sevens at Chinnor but that was a Sunday barbecue and beer thing - this is slightly different.

"It was a good year to get involved with the sevens because of the Commonwealth Games.

"I had a long five weeks away, but it all came good with a silver medal and a win in Hong Kong.

"Playing in Hong Kong is another world with all the fans and the support you get is absolutely amazing."

SOLICITORS firm Lawrence Hamblin will sponsor the Henley International Sevens.

Now in its 13th year, the event on August 6 will feature Premiership clubs Northampton, Worcester and Bristol, holders Cornish Pirates and Dynamo Moscow making their UK debut.

ABINGDON coach Ken Worthy last night summoned his players back for training three months before the new season starts.

Worthy wants his side to "hit the ground running" when they step up to the BB&O Premier Division in September.