Sevens glory is just a Dream for Glover
RUGBY UNION
NEWCASTLE University’s Harry Glover scooped major individual awards for helping propel England to Rugby Sevens World Cup silver medals.
The politics and economics undergraduate was instrumental in England’s run to the final of the tournament in San Francisco.
His stand-out performance enabled Glover to win the Breakthrough Player of the Tournament Award and also gain a prestigious inclusion in the World Cup ‘Dream Team.’
Glover played four matches, contributing five points and scoring a try against South Africa in England’s semi-final clash.
He said: “It was a fantastic experience in my first Rugby Sevens World Cup.
“San Francisco was an amazing host city and we were incredibly proud to come home with a silver medal.
“To be named the breakthrough player of the tournament was a huge honour.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming season with Olympic qualification in mind.”
England started their run with a win over Samoa (19-15) in the last 16.
They then needed extra time to defeat hosts USA in the quarterfinals 24-19.
Glover’s try helped beat South Africa (29-7) in the semi-finals to pave the Lions’ way to the final against defending champions New Zealand.
The All-Blacks Sevens won back-to-back titles after defeating England in the final showdown 33-12.
Matt Carter, Director of Rugby at Newcastle University, said: “Playing for the England Sevens team is an absolutely outstanding achievement and we are all rightly proud of Harry.
“In addition, the breakthrough player and the Dream Team awards are brilliant accolades.”
Glover, from London, was formerly with Wasps Academy and has already represented the Senior England Sevens team on numerous occasions.
He has played 53 matches for England sevens, scoring 50 points and 10 tries.
The 22-year-old started playing seriously when he was scouted by Wasps in his first year at secondary school.
He then earned a professional senior academy deal in his first year out of school.
After that he was offered a contract to be part of the England Sevens’ squad.
His ambition is to continue to represent the England Sevens team in World Series matches and to gain selection for the Great Britain squad at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.