Joe Simpson out of Olympic contention after dislocating elbow

01 July 2016 03:53

Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson is out of Rio Olympics contention after dislocating his elbow during Great Britain sevens squad training.

Although Simpson is expected to be available for the start of Wasps' Aviva Premiership campaign in early September, his Rio hopes are over.

Simpson had been included among an extended Great Britain training squad, from which sevens head coach Simon Amor will select his final 12-man group later this month.

Amor, who confirmed the news about Simpson, said: " It is really disappointing for Joe.

"In the time he's been with us, he has shown exciting potential, and it is a shame he is unable to continue towards the Olympics because of this unfortunate injury. We all wish him well."

Simpson will now return to his club, and Wasps rugby director Dai Young said: " We are obviously all really gutted for Joe that injury has put a stop to his chances of representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games.

"The feedback we have had from Simon Amor and the rest of the GB set-up was that Joe was progressing well and pushing hard for a place in the squad, and it's desperately unfortunate that he has picked up an injury that will now rule him out.

"On the flip side of that, we're all looking forward to having Joe return to Wasps.

"He is an influential character in this squad and he'll now be getting his head down to prepare himself for the start of the new season."

Great Britain will continue their Rio build-up by fielding two teams in the Sevens and the City tournament at Saracens' Allianz Park ground this weekend.

They also have two Rugby Europe Grand Prix sevens events scheduled later this month before Amor settles on his final squad.

Amor said: " Training has been at an incredibly high standard. The attitude of the guys, and how they have challenged each other, has been excellent.

"Lots of learning has taken place, and with such strong competition, the guys are fighting for places daily.

"The main objective of the past three weeks was to put into place how we want to play the game in terms of attack and defence, and there is a really good understanding of that now."

Great Britain have been drawn in the same Rio pool as New Zealand, Kenya and Japan. The men's tournament begins on August 9.

"It is an incredibly exciting pool," Amor added.

""We all know New Zealand are an outstanding side, Kenya showed what they are capable of in winning the Singapore Sevens this season, and Japan have shown their potential.

"It wouldn't matter which pool you were drawn in at the Olympics, they will all be a challenge. It is going to be an amazing experience."

Source: PA