New Zealand squad to be named
New Zealand women’s rugby head coach Sean Horan will this weekend name his first national Sevens side as the trials held around the country as part of the Go4Gold programme come to an end.
Published by Scrum Queens, July 16th, 2012
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Horans national side will take part in the Oceania Women's Sevens Championships in Fiji next month, where sides will aim to qualify for the World Cup. New Zealand are already qualified but will participate alongside Australia.
Over 1,000 women around New Zealand have participated in the national screening programme which has seen national coaches travel and work with all 14 provincial unions over the last eight months hosting camps and trials in an effort to see as much talent as possible before choosing a squad.
Horan said the camps had been a fantastic way to see a wide range of talent.
"I think the oldest girls we screened was 37 all the way down to a 15-year-old and the majority of the squad now come from diverse sporting backgrounds.
"We have a few rugby players who have played 15s, a few of them who have played sevens, footballers, athletics, netball, hockey, touch, league - just numerous."
Horan said they would continue to develop a squad of up to 30 players after tournaments in Fiji and Dubai to which 12 players will travel this year.
Horan also hoped to see regional tournaments and competitions developed in New Zealand. Three regional-based tournaments next month will finish off the initial part of the Go4Gold programme.