SAM Stanley has recovered from torn ankle ligaments to return to England’s sevens squad for the weekend’s World Series leg in Port Elizabeth.

The 23-year-old, who is from Grays, won his first international sevens cap earlier on this season.

And he is thrilled to now be back in the 13 man travelling party heading out to South Africa.

“This weekend will be my fourth tournament on the World Series and representing my country is always a huge honour for me so this will be no different,” said Stanley.

“It’s a privilege every time I’m able to wear the jersey and, after the injury, I’m raring to go again.”

Injuries to a trio of England’s other sevens stars led to Stanley being recalled.

But he is eager to make the most of the opportunity and dreams of being part of the squad at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

“My goal for now is trying to cement a place in the England sevens squad,” said Stanley.

“Injuries have haunted me during the past few years but hopefully they're behind me now and I can get going and show my worth.

“I've really enjoyed my time here with England and I'd love to carry on playing for them as long as I can.

“The Olympics would obviously be the dream but I feel I'm quite far off from where I need to be to even think about making it at the moment.”

However, Stanley – who first played rugby at Thurrock as a youngster – has already made rapid progress in sevens.

He first trained with the international squad in February and did enough to be offered a central contract.

“Sevens came around for me after I was in the right place and the right time and it’s been great,” said Stanley.

“I was previously at Saracens but things didn’t work out there for me.

“I wouldn’t rule out playing 15-a-side rugby again but sevens is what I’m focusing on for the time being.”

Stanley is succeeding in the sport and has made it a double celebration for his family after his brother Mike was capped internationally for Samoa.

Mike lined up against Canada before facing England at Twickenham.

And his younger brother remains extremely proud of his achievements.

“He's an inspiration for me and I've looked up to him from a very young age,” said Stanley.

“To see him at Twickenham playing against England was strange but such an amazing achievement for him.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of him and it was a very proud moment for our family too.