London Scottish’s talismanic leader Mark Bright has been included in the England Sevens squad which will compete in this month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Club can also confirm today that Bright has signed a one-year contract extension with London Scottish following another outstanding season which saw him shortlisted for the 2013/14 Championship Player of the Year accolade.
The 35-year-old forward has been loaned to the RFU this summer, joining their England Sevens programme, and impressed during the FIRA-AER European GP Sevens series which saw England win a third successive Moscow Sevens title.
He will now try and help England win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, with the rugby competition getting underway on Saturday, July 26.
A delighted Bright, who is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “I don’t think I can put anything above this in my rugby career.
“It’s a big moment for myself and my family and hopefully I can do them proud.
“It has been a tough couple of months but I’m delighted all the hard work has paid off.
“All the England boys have made it easy for me to fit in and I cannot wait to get to Glasgow.
“There are plenty of countries that are capable of winning medals so we need to be firing from the off.”
London Scottish Director of Rugby Mike Friday, who coached England to silver at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Brighty.
“The call-up is a testament to his ability to cope in a very demanding rugby environment and I have no doubt he will rise to the challenge.
“It’s a young man’s game but he is like a fine wine which gets better with age.
“He is ultra-competitive and will be giving everything to ensure England get on top of that podium.”
Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management said: “What a fantastic achievement by Mark.
“Everyone at Aberdeen Asset Management is delighted that he will be competing in the Commonwealth Games in front of a potential crowd of 50,000.
“We wish him the best of luck and hope he can bring home a medal.”
Bright’s new contract extension at London Scottish means he will remain at the Club until at least the end of the 2015/16 season.
The number-eight will also continue as first team captain during the 2014/15 season, a role he has thrived in for the past two seasons.
Bright has been a key player at London Scottish since moving from Redruth in 2011 and has made the Championship’s Dream XV for the past two seasons.
He scored 21 tries in 28 games last season and it was no surprise when he claimed the Caledonia Best Taste of Scotland Supporters' Player of the Year Award at the Club’s End of Season Dinner.
Bright continued: “I am really happy to have extended my contract at London Scottish although it was a very easy decision to make.
“My family and I are very settled in London and I am looking forward to the next couple of seasons.
“We made huge strides last year and the target this season is to build on that and push for the top four.”
On retaining the captaincy Bright said: “It is always great to be given the captaincy of London Scottish and a fantastic honour.
“I enjoyed a pretty good season last year and I will look to try and replicate that once again.
“With both Bristol and Worcester in the division it will be a really tough league but also equally exciting.”
Mike Friday said: “Mark has been fantastic for the squad, captains from the front and is a natural leader of men.
“He is a warrior for London Scottish and players want to follow him.
“He was outstanding last season and that’s testament to how he looks after himself. It was an easy decision to extend his contract.”
He added: “Brighty is part of the DNA at London Scottish and typifies the values associated with this great Club.”
