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Mitchell looking to build on England's Dubai record

London - England Sevens captain Tom Mitchell believes there will be a different vibe to this year’s World Rugby Sevens Series which commences in Dubai on Friday.

England will be looking to improve on last year’s 8th-place finish, and Mitchell insists those of his team who were involved in Great Britain’s success at the Rio Olympics, can draw from the experiences it gave.

"For all the England players involved in that GB journey, it was a really good experience in terms of training in a high level environment with new players coming in. We learnt a lot about ourselves as rugby players," Mitchell told the England Rugby website.

"We are super excited to get going; it has felt like quite a long break since everything that happened in the summer, so we are really itching to take the field as an England squad."

The Men’s team have won the Dubai Sevens on four occasions, in 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011, achievements Mitchell and his team will be aiming to repeat.

"Historically it has always been an amazing tournament for us. We are very fortunate to get a lot of support out there, and there is always a brilliant atmosphere for us," Mitchell added.

"Running out onto that field, especially in the evening games when the lights are on and the crowd is really excited and gets behind you, is a very special feeling."

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