THE RED Rockets are gunning for glory at the national sevens final today.

The South Woodham Ferrers side are just one of eight teams to have qualified for the event at Saracens’ Allianz Park base.

And Rockets director of rugby Jack Kershaw cannot wait for his team to take to the pitch.

“It is going to be a great day for the players, management team and RED overall,” said Kershaw.

“The opportunity to play in a national final does not happen every day and this will be a real test for RED.

“Selection has been hard as we’ve had players showing a real desire to play on the day.

“But we have selected a side which will be competitive and is full of players who played in the qualifier at Essex sevens and the regional final at Allianz Park.”

RED’s management team will include Sweyne Park School teacher Tony Woods and South Woodham’s Jack Reeve.

Reeve will be taking control of the side in the absence of Kershaw, who gets married on Saturday.

And he is confident of making a good impression at the competition.

“The squad we have put together for the finals is great,” said Reeve.

“We will have a great day and hope to be crowned national champions.

“If we do manage to win on Sunday then we will be the first ever winners of the national 24 sevens series set up by the RFU this year.

“But we will look to fully support the series next year whatever happens on Sunday.”

However, RED captain David Birtwistle feels the team should already be proud of their achievements.

“We have come a long way in a short time,” said Birtwhistle.

“We were only formed this season, so we should be really proud that we have performed so well and got to the national finals.

“We’ve got some top players and personalities and to captain the lads is a real honour.

“But it’s no dictatorship, there are no big egos and attitudes, everyone loves everyone and that’s what makes us successful,” he added.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of facing the other seven top teams on Sunday and hopefully leading the Rockets to victory.”