ORIGINS
The team was founded by James Angove in 2012 as Forces Exiles, providing serviceman the opportunity to experience the sevens game whilst raising all important funds for military charities.
The set up was inspired by James’s passion and vision for developing a side which would one day appear on the international stage.
At the heart of the team is the core value of creating a professional environment. This promotes high expectations and experiences for players whilst nurturing talent to develop players to their full potential, by providing outstanding coaching and player support from a well qualified management team.
Initially a self-funded team, it was becoming increasingly difficult to compete on the international circuit. Sponsorship from local business Ex Mil Recruitment meant the team were able to continue entering tournaments. The sponsorship allowed for playing kit and pitch side equipment and support to be purchased.
After their debut at the recognised tournament Newquay Surf, the Exiles began receiving invitations to compete at high profile tournaments. In 2015, the team began travelling around the world competing in Hong Kong, Kinsale, Rome and Geneva where the team narrowly missed out on the title losing by one point to South Africa in the last play.
The 2016-17 season saw the launch of Scimitar Exiles after securing the sponsorship of award winning Scimitar Sportswear. The team re-launched under this new brand with a great range of match and leisure wear for the new season. Yet the team are keen to stick to their routes and will carry forward the founding British colours on their home kit. Remaining a team which is focused upon providing players the opportunity to play at the highest standard as possible whilst affording them the chance to play on an international stage in an environment fostered upon honesty, integrity and passion for sevens rugby.
