GEORGE Simpkin will not pick the territory's squad after this month's Fosters National Sevens which in the past has doubled up as the trials for the Hong Kong Sevens. The Hong Kong coach said that the increase in competition at the highest level precludes him from naming a side as soon as the tournament is over on January 22. 'There are a lot more people in contention this year and as we don't get a helluva lot of sevens competition, I will not be picking my side immediately,' said Simpkin. 'What I will do is pick a large squad and have a series of sevens games every Sunday. I will then name the squad closer to the day.' Simpkin will also use the annual Bill Riach Sevens next Sunday, organised by Police, as an indicator towards picking his preliminary squad. Meanwhile the Union has still not decided on a venue for the Fosters National Sevens which will be run along divisional lines. 'We were to play it at Ho Man Tin, but we have found out that the pitch will be closed until the 25th of this month,' said Dave Roberts, chief executive officer of the Union. Pitches at Stanley Fort, Aberdeen and Shek Kip-mei are now being looked at. Pitch problems has also forced defending league champions Valley to look elsewhere as they prepare to mount their title-defence in the New Year. Rejuvenated after defeating Football Club just before the holiday break, Valley returned to training on Tuesday night, only to find that their Happy Valley pitch will be closed until January 19.
