John extends his Aussie squad
Geraint John has named an extended 13-man squad that will represent Australian at the Gold Coast Sevens this week.
It is the first of nine tournaments on the 2014/15 IRB World Sevens Series.
New signing Michael Wells is set to make his IRB debut, with Pama Fou and Tom Cusack recalled to the World Series squad -having both missed the entire 2013/14 season with shoulder and knee injuries respectively.
Greg Jeloudev and Shannon Walker miss the tournament through injury.
Coach Geraint John, leading Australia in an IRB Sevens World Series event for the first time since joining from Canada in June, said he selected a squad he believes can "go all the way" at the Gold Coast.
"I think we now have a nice balance in the squad, we have made one or two additions to the squad that I think will give us something extra up front," John said.
"Having Pama and Tom back in the World Series squad feels like a couple of new signings too and I am looking forward to seeing them build on their performances at the Commonwealth Games.
"I know the team were disappointed to miss out on winning the Gold Coast tournament in 2013, so we are really hoping the public comes out in force to back us as we aim to go one better than last year. It should be a fantastic spectacle.
"The 2014/15 Sevens World Series is going to be undoubtedly the toughest season to date. With qualification for Rio up for grabs, teams will be more professional and better prepared than ever before.
"We are a long way from qualifying for Rio having finished fifth last season and it is crucial we start well at the weekend."
The host nation take on Portugal, Scotland and Fiji in Pool C, with the top two sides in each group progressing to Sunday's Cup quarterfinals.
The 16th edition of the IRB Sevens World Series takes on added significance with all points accumulated during the 2014/15 season counting towards qualification for the 2016 Olympics.
Along with host nation Brazil, only the top four countries in the World Series will be guaranteed qualification for Rio.
Australia (one to be omitted): Paul Asquith, Cameron Clark, Tom Cusack, Con Foley, Pama Fou, Lewis Holland, Ed Jenkins, Tom Lucas, Nick Malouf, Sam Myers, Jesse Parahi, James Stannard, Michael Wells.
