Hartlepool count down to Bangkok Sevens

The team, the brainchild of successful town businessman, Alby Pattison, from Hart Innovations, will compete in the major event in Thailand’s capital on November 11-12.

Hartlepool’s squad which features players from five of the town’s teams have already held one training session under the guidance of the appointed skipper, ex-Newcastle Falcons and England Sevens star, Aaron Myers.

Hartlepool team manager, John Bickerstaff, told SportMail that preparations are “90% there”.

“The lads are really excited,” said the former Rovers forward. “We’ve done one session, which Aaron led and we’ve got more planned.

“The first session went really well, better than I expected. We have some great players in our squad, very gifted at what they do, but not experienced in sevens.

“Aaron talked them through it, showed them a lot and they picked things up really quickly.

“The big thing for us as a team is that the players are keen to learn and improve and can’t wait to get out there to compete.

“I think the heat and humidity will be our biggest issue – Hartlepool hardly matches Bangkok temperature-wise! It’s mad-hot, so playing rugby will be tough.

“We’re 90% there with our preparations and the squad is keen and confident.”