IRB Sevens Player of the Year Tomasi Cama is included in New Zealand Sevens’ training squadAll Blacks Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has named a squad of 20 players to take part in the first training camp for the upcoming season.
The first tournament of the 2012/13 HSBC Sevens World Series takes place on the Gold Coast from 13-14 October, followed by the inaugural Argentina Sevens tournament at La Plata from 20-21 October whilst the New Zealand Sevens camp takes place at Mt Maunganui from Monday 13 August to Wednesday 15 August.
Tietjens, who was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame at Twickenham in May said he was looking forward to getting underway again, particularly against the backdrop of the London Olympics.
“It’s been a real thrill watching the Olympics knowing we will be there in four years’ time in Rio,” said Tietjens.
“The success of our athletes there has been really inspiring and I am sure their performances will be a great motivator for the players.”
New Zealand recorded their 10th World Series title in 13 years last season and players attending the camp include a mix of some from last year’s champion World Series team and some who have yet to play for the All Blacks Sevens.
A number of players from last year were not considered because of injury and ITM Cup commitments but captain DJ Forbes and IRB Sevens Player of the Year Tomasi Cama are included.
“We’re giving some new players an opportunity to show us what they can do in a Sevens environment given the unavailability of some players from last year for the first two tournaments of the season in October.”
NZ Sevens training squad: Jacob Ale, Mark Atkins, Tomasi Cama, Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Willis Halaholo, Kolio Hifo, Joe Hill, Mark Jackman, Warwick Lahmert, Rhys Lewellyn, Tevita Li, Tim Mikkelson, Kylem O’Donnell, Willie Paia’aua, Lote Raikabula, Belgium Tuatagaloa’n, Joe Tupe, Gareth William-Spiers, Jamie Verran
