England’s youngsters stepped up at the Exeter leg of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Sevens Series and head coach Simon Amor says Twickenham’s Cameron Cowell was one who impressed, writes Luke Baker.

England’s blend of youth and experience improved across the weekend as the Amor’s troops made it all the way to the cup final at Sandy Park before going down 14-5 to in-form France.

Amor was delighted with a number of his youngsters, including former Orleans Park School pupil Cowell.

“The first few games were a bit scratchy but then we hit our straps nicely and put some good performances together. I was pleased with some of the glimpses and the talent that was on display,” he said.

“I was really pleased with Ruaridh McConnochie – he stepped up a lot and is an exciting young player for us who is very versatile.

“I was really pleased with Cam Cowell as well – he’s done brilliantly for us in the European Series and did so again.

“Once Charlie Hayter went off with his knee injury, I thought Alex Davis stepped up brilliantly and there were some really good touches from Sam Egerton, so those four in particular I’m chuffed to bits with.”

England are not in action again until the first leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai on December 4-5.

And with the 2016 Olympics just a year away, the World Series takes on extra significance.

“Some of the young guys have definitely put themselves in my thoughts for the World Series,” added Amor.

“We’re losing people like Marcus Watson, Jeff Williams and Mike Ellery back to the Premiership.

“But we’ve got to find the next ones coming through and especially with it being an Olympic year, there is a lot to play for.”

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