Three Waikato Seven's Players Named in NZ Seven's Team
25th January 2011 06:15PM
New Zealand Sevens contracted squad named.
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has today named his 15-man contracted squad for 2011.
The squad includes three new caps - Waikato's Rory Grice, Tasman's Shane Christie and Counties Manukau's David Raikuna.
Five fresh faces also earn contracts, all having recently made their debut in the first two tournaments of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai and George in November and December last year. They include Auckland and 2010 New Zealand Barbarian Bryce Heem, Taranaki's Jackson Ormond, Bay of Plenty's Scott Curry, and Waikato's Frank Halai and Declan O'Donnell.
Otago and 2009 New Zealand Under 20 representative Buxton Popoalii has also been named in the squad having already played for the side in two tournaments in 2009.
Six senior players return to the squad including Counties Manukau's DJ Forbes who returns as captain, Bay of Plenty's Toby Arnold and Solomon King, Waikato's Tim Mikkelson and Manawatu's Lote Raikabula and Tomasi Cama.
Tietjens said it was great to see a lot of new faces in the squad.
"It's a natural progression that some players are going to step up to the Super Rugby level but this always provides a chance for new young players to put their hand up for selection.
"I think I have a very strong squad to select from this season and I'm happy with the mix of experience and youth.
"Going into our home tournament in Wellington always brings extra pressure but it's also great to have a home crowd and your family and friends there to support you," he added.
The New Zealand Sevens squad assembles in Wellington on Thursday 27 January with the 12-man tournament team for the NZI Sevens to be named on Monday 1 February.
2011 New Zealand Sevens squad is:
Toby Arnold Bay of Plenty
Tomasi Cama Manawatu
Shane Christie Tasman
Scott Curry Bay of Plenty
DJ Forbes, captain Counties Manukau
Rory Grice Waikato
Frank Halai Waikato
Bryce Heem Auckland
Solomon King Bay of Plenty
Tim Mikkelson Waikato
Jackson Ormond Taranaki
Declan O'Donnell Waikato
Buxton Popoalii Otago
Lote Raikubula Manawatu
David Raikuna Counties Manukau
