The New Zealand Women’s Sevens team to compete in the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013, has been unveiled in Auckland today at a special event to launch their campaign.
New Zealand Women’s Sevens Head Coach Sean Horan has selected a largely experienced team to compete in the Rugby World Cup 2013 making just one change from the squad he took to Amsterdam last month.
The team is:
Kelly Brazier
Sarah Goss
Vaine Greig
Honey Hireme
Linda Itunu
Huriana Manuel
Kayla McAlister
Tyla Nathan-Wong
Alexis Tapsell
Selica Winiata
Renee Wickliffe
Portia Woodman
Manawatu police officer Selica Winiata comes back from an injury spell just in time to earn a spot in the squad. Meanwhile, Ruby Tui (Canterbury), Shakira Baker (Wellington) and Carla Hohepa (Waikato) were unavailable due to injury. “I am really excited about this team. We’ve selected a team we think is full of promise for the challenge of this tournament, but also helps keep us on track to achieve our ultimate prize of gold in Rio in 2016.
“We know that we will be competing against the rest of the world in Moscow, and we know that teams throw everything at New Zealand when it comes to rugby. But our preparation over the past two years, has been deliberate and we’re happy that in terms of development, progress is good,” he said.
Canterbury’s Alexis Tapsell and Manawatu’s Vaine Greig swung the World Cup selection door wide open after wedging a foot each in the door at their first IRB Women’s World Series tournament in Amsterdam last month.
“We have chosen our form players, and included some young talent that we need to develop at this level to ensure we have continued growth and strength in our team,” he said.
“I am sure all these girls will want make the most of any opportunity they get to represent the black jersey, and to do so at a Rugby World Cup is also special.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew wished the All Blacks Sevens and New Zealand Women’s Sevens teams all the best in Moscow.
“We are really proud of both teams who have performed so well this year to take out the men’s and women’s World Series titles.
“It’s a huge credit to the players and management group behind each team, particularly New Zealand Women’s Sevens who have really only been together for about a year since the Go4Gold recruitment programme early last year.
“The season has been excellent preparation for the World Cup which is a really important event so we are all hugely excited about seeing both teams in action in what will be a fascinating part of the world to play rugby.”
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