New Zealand Sevens Team Announced for NZI Sevens

New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has named a largely experienced squad for the NZI Sevens tournament in Wellington this weekend.

Tietjens has selected just one debutant into the side, 21-year-old Fritz Lee from Counties Manukau.

Solomon King was not considered due to injury.

Tietjens said this was a very difficult squad to select.

“The squad has trained very well over the last few days and a lot of players put up their hands for selection. I have picked an experienced side and hopefully the team can continue with the great start they have had to the Series,” Tietjens said.

“It’s always great to play at home and Wellington is a pretty special tournament. The players know there is a little more pressure and expectation than usual, but they want to get out there and really turn it on for the home crowd,” added Tietjens.

New Zealand currently leads the IRB Sevens World Series with two wins from the first two tournaments.

The New Zealand team travels to Las Vegas for the third leg of the IRB Sevens World Series on Monday morning.

New Zealand Sevens team for NZI Sevens:

Kurt Baker                 (Taranaki)

Tomasi Cama          (Manawatu)

DJ Forbes                (Counties Manukau)

Paul Grant                (Otago)

Tim Mikkelson          (Waikato)

Zar Lawrence           (Bay of Plenty)

Fritz Lee*                   (Counties Manukau)

Lote Raikabula         (Manawatu)

Ben Souness            (Taranaki)

Sherwin Stowers      (Counties Manukau)

Nafi Tuitavake          (North Harbour)

Save Tokula             (Waikato)

Note: * denotes debutant

2009/2010 IRB World Sevens Series schedule:

5-6 February 2010 – Wellington, New Zealand

13-14 February 2010 – Las Vegas, USA

19-21 March 2010 – Adelaide, Australia

26-28 March 2010 – Hong Kong

22-23 May 2010 – London, England

29-30 May 2010 – Edinburgh, Scotland