CORRINGHAM’S Emily Scott still believes her England sevens side are well placed to make the Rio Olympics.

Scott and her Thurrock T-Birds team-mate Rachael Burford were part of the England team that won the Plate final at the Dubai sevens.

But they were only forced to contest that event after being knocked out of the quarter finals of the main competition by France.

Under a complicated qualifying procedure, four teams automatically qualify for the Olympics after a six-tournament qualifying competition.

England are currently fifth ahead of the second tournament in Brazil in February.

Scott said: “We were disappointed not to be in the cup competition in Dubai for longer, but to pick ourselves up from that was a great achievement. We feel as though we have a strong chance of qualifying for Rio.”

England beat Russia and then Fiji to win the plate in a final which was watched by more than 45,000 fans.

Throughout the three days of competition 100,000 supporters were in attendance.

And that made it extra special for Scott.

“It was just fantastic and Dubai is certainly one of my favourite tournaments on the calendar,” said Scott. “They always put on an amazing event and there’s a real party atmosphere there.

“It makes it all very exciting.”

The Dubai sevens was England’s first tournament since they started training full-time in September.

Scott was one of 20 players to be given a central contract by the Rugby Football Association.

And she believes the new structure of the sport has made an significant impact.

“It’s been brilliant and the team training together full-time is making a big difference,” said Scott.

“We are able to train at a real high intensity on the pitch and then get the rest and recovery that our bodies need to then be able to go and do it all again the next day.

“It’s putting us in really good shape both physically and mentally going forward.”

Scott has also been pleased by her own form which saw her regularly make the starting line-up in Dubai.

The 22-year-old scored two tries and kicked two conversions in a 29-7 win against Brazil at the start of the competition.

But she is eager to enhance her game even further.

“I’m very pleased with how I’ve been playing and being part of a full-time professional programme has allowed me to really focus and concentrate on my rugby without any distractions,” said Scott.

“I’ve developed physically a lot during the past 12 weeks since being professional as well but there’s still a lot to improve. I hope to keep moving forward and continue to develop during the rest of my professional career.”