New Zealand add experience for Houston
New Zealand have brought in five Black Ferns following their end of year tour to England to their Sevens squad to compete at the second leg of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series in Houston next month.
Published by Alison Donnelly, January 17th, 2013
2 minute read
Shakira Baker, Kelly Brazier, Kendra Cocksedge, Halie Hurring, and Selica Winiata are all added to the squad while six players from the first tournament in Dubai retain their spots.
New Zealand won the first leg of the series and present an even stronger proposition in the US next month with the addition of some experienced faces.
Head Coach Sean Horan said he had been impressed with the level of competition among women at the Pub Charity National Sevens held in Queenstown last weekend. An outstanding tournament for Waikato's Honey Hireme saw her earn a first-time call-up to the national squad.
"This Series is getting really exciting. We know that all teams will have learned a lot from the experience of the Dubai tournament. We've selected a squad with size and speed and this squad has a lot of rugby experience which is essential as we continue to build women's sevens.
"Houston offers us a great opportunity to develop our talent and depth, particularly as we have an eye on the World Cup in Russia later this year," Horan said
New Zealand Women's Sevens squad:
Shakira BakerKelly BrazierKendra CocksedgeSarah GossLinda ItunuHoney HiremeCarla HohepaHalie HurringHuriana Manuel, captainKayla McAlisterSelica WiniataPortia Woodman
IRB Women's World Sevens SeriesRound 1 - UAE: Dubai, 30 November-1 December 2012 - (winners: New Zealand)
Round 2 - USA: Houston, Texas, 1-2 February 2013 - BBVA Compass Stadium
Round 3 - China: Guangzhou, 30-31 March 2013 - Guangzhou University Town Stadium
Round 4 - Netherlands: Amsterdam, 17-18 May 2013 - NRCA Stadium