NZ gather Sevens squad ahead of Dubai
A squad of 31 women will assemble in Auckland today ahead of the selection of the first New Zealand team to play in the opening tournament of the inaugural Women's Sevens World Series in Dubai this month.
Published by Scrum Queens, November 1st, 2012
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The squad make up includes a number of experienced XV players who would have looked certainties to be part of the New Zealand three test tour to England but for a clash with the start of the World Series, with players such as former IRB Women's Personaility of the Year Cala Hohepa (pictured), star centre Huriana Manuel and Linda Itunu among those focusing on Sevens.
Coach Sean Horan said those attending the three day camp are a mix of experience and new youthful talent.
"It's pretty exciting to think about how far we have come since the Go4Gold (in Rio de Janeiro 2016) recruitment campaign. We have found some very talented athletes who have very quickly become skilled rugby players.
"This camp is a great opportunity to check on how players have come out of domestic competitions and specific training programmes," he said.
The squad named for the final camp in Auckland is:
Auckland:Marama DavisLinda ItnunuOnjeurlina LeiatauaHuriana ManuelArihiana MarinoKayla McAlisterTyla Nathan-WongTiana NgawatiRenee WickliffePortia Woodman
Canterbury:Olivia BirdHannah BrandTayla FordRuby TuiAlexis Tapsell
Manawatu:Sarah GossHayley HutanaKristina Sue
North Harbour:Amanda Rasch
Bay of Plenty:Lavinia Gould
Taranaki:Michaela BlydeGayle BroughtonLauren Burgess
Tasman:Moana Forbes
Waikato:Ariana HerangiHoney HiremeChyna HohepaCarla HohepaCrystal KauaJordon Webber
Wellington:Kiri Mei