Rugby: Jed teen Glen Young in Newcastle 7s squad

Young, who signed for the Newcastle Falcons Academy this season following a successful season at Riverside, is the cousin of the Jed-Forest twins Lewis and Kevin Young, both of whom have been involved with the Scotland sevens squad.

Despite being snapped up by the Falcons Academy, Young has not featured in any of the Scotland age-grade squads. This season, on the Borders circuit, Young was one of the genuine stars in the Kings of the Sevens challenge, his ball winning skills and massive engine helping Jed pitch for the crown.

The Falcons squad, coached by former Scotland sevens and Scotland A cap, Calum MacRae, take on Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and host Northampton Saints in Group B of the competition on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Saracens have included England winger Chris Ashton in their squad. Ashton, 26, was heavily criticised during the latter half of last season, notably for his defensive frailties in the Six Nations.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster elected to rest the former Wigan rugby league man for the Red Rose tour of Argentina earlier this summer, and Saracens have opted to use him as part of their Sevens squad after his extended break.

Saracens are not alone in including high-profile players in their parties for the annual pre-season tournament. Wasps’ effort will be headed by former England cap Tom Varndell, while Gloucester include Fiji flanker Akapusi Qera.

Saracens have also announced a partnership with United Arab Emirates club Abu Dhabi Saracens RFC.

The link-up will see Saracens coaches and community staff provide support to the overseas club, while talented players from the UAE will get the chance to experience the professional set-up with the Aviva Premiership side. Both teams will wear Saracens kit.

Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said: “We are delighted Abu Dhabi Saracens have joined the newly formed global network of Saracens clubs, and we look forward to helping Abu Dhabi Saracens prosper.”