Black Ferns Sevens reveal the squad for Dubai

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Cory Sweeney has selected Black Ferns wing Katelyn Vahaakolo, Justine McGregor and Olive Watherston as three debutants, while Dhys Faleafaga returns for her first SVNS Series tournaments since the birth of her twin boys.

Veteran Kelly Brazier will run out for her 49th tournament in the black jersey in Dubai, with her milestone 50th tournament set to be the following weekend in Cape Town.

The team will be captained by Sarah Hirini, with Risaleaana Pouri-Lane vice-captain, and eight players selected who won gold at the Olympics back in July.

Sweeney said the squad is excited to get back onto the world stage.

“This is a new sunrise for this group. We have been really successful, but this is a blank canvas, and we want to try to play slightly differently,” said Sweeney.

“We are without some big names, but we have new energy, and everyone is ready to put their best foot forward.”

Speaking of the debutants, Sweeney said each of them bring unique qualities to the team.

“Justine has been with us for a year now, and while she hasn’t debuted, she has attended a number of international tournaments and she is really determined to take her opportunity,” the coach revealed.

“Olive was injured for a lot of the FPC but we saw a few weeks ago at the Sarah Hirini Cup, she has amazing work rate, energy and a real relentlessness about her game; she’s an exciting talent.”

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13-Test Black Fern Katelyn Vahaakolo is set to debut, in the absence of regular wings Michaela Blyde and Stacey Waaka.

“Katelyn’s focus is Rugby World Cup next year but it’s a perfect opportunity to bring her in, introduce her to the sevens environment and hopefully help her 15s pre-season.

“She is a strong learner, has huge energy and wants to know as much as she can. On the field, she is strong, physical, fast, has great feet and can make a whole lot out of nothing.”

The team depart New Zealand on Monday and will train in Abu Dhabi for the week.

Black Ferns Sevens: Kelly Brazier, Dhys Faleafaga, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Sarah Hirini (Captain), Justine McGregor,
Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Theresa Setefano, Alena Saili, Kelsey Teneti, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Olive Watherston.