Great Britain Sevens players are seeking alternative employment and new playing opportunities after the full-time sevens programme was scrapped in July to save money. Since their contracts were reduced to part-time last summer, players have had to find other ways to support their rugby careers.
The decision to end the full-time programme has reportedly impacted Great Britain's ability to compete internationally. Both the men's and women's GB Sevens teams finished last in the eight-strong top tier of the Svns global series and will compete in the second tier next year.
GB Sevens player Abbie Brown has taken up coaching and mentoring, and has a 15-a-side contract with Loughborough Lightning. She also captained the Mumbai Dreamers in India's Rugby Premier League. Her teammate Ellie Boatman has played for the Mie Pearls in Japan.
A new short-form sevens circuit, Ultimate Sevens, is launching in September, offering a closer-to-home option. The circuit will feature four events in Madrid, Cardiff, Biarritz, and London, with 15 GB Sevens players, including Finley Lloyd-Gilmour, expected to participate.