James Rodwell

James Rodwell (born 23 August 1984) is an English professional rugby sevens player who was part of the national squad from 2008 to 2019.[1] He ended his career with records as the Worlds most capped sevens player,[2] having played in the most consecutive tournaments (69) and most tournaments (93) in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

For the English footballer and administrator, see Jim Rodwell.

James Rodwell
Rodwell at the 2009 Hong Kong Sevens
Date of birth (1984-08-23) 23 August 1984
Place of birthWendover, Buckinghamshire, England
Height1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
Weight106 kg (234 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward
National sevens team(s)
Years Team Comps
2008– England 93
Medal record
Men's rugby sevens
Representing  Great Britain
Olympic Games
2016 Rio de JaneiroTeam competition
Representing  England
Commonwealth Games
2018 Gold CoastTeam competition
Representing  England
World Cup 7’s
2013 Moscow World Cup{{{2}}}
2018 San Francisco World Cup{{{2}}}

James is now Assistant coach for the Men’s and Women’s England Sevens teams.

Early life

Rodwell was born in Wendover and began playing rugby at the age of seven at Tring RFC, his local club. From the age of ten he played for Berkhamsted Collegiate School, figuring at centre and full-back.

Rodwell rapidly rose through representative squads, playing with Hertfordshire Schools 18 Group, London & South East U18, captaining North Midlands U20 and representing Midlands U20. During his time at Moseley Rugby Club in Birmingham, Rodwell was voted the U21 player of the year in 2004-05, the players’ player in 2006-07, and supporters’ player in 2008-09.

At Birmingham University Rodwell played mainly at Number 8 for the first team, developing into a key member of the leadership group of a club which valued on-field performance as well as social development.

In 2005 he was selected for English Universities, followed by England Counties (2006) and England Sevens (2008).

He completed his studies with a degree in Business Commerce.

Sevens

Rodwell made his England sevens debut against the United States at Dubai in 2008.

James was named IRB player of the tournament in the 2010 Dubai leg of the series. He represented England in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi where the team finished fourth.[3] He also represented England in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where the team finished fifth. Rodwell also won the Mark of Excellency award in the 2019 London 7's which also marks his last tournament in front of his home fans.

Honours

References
  1. "James Rodwell – Official RFU England Profile". Rfu.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  2. "James Rodwell - Rugby Sevens". Team England. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  3. "Ben Gollings to lead England Commonwealth sevens team". BBC News. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  4. "James Rodwell hopes England can defend their Dubai Sevens title". Sky Sports. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
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