Jones, Hirayama to captain Canada 7s
Harry Jones will lead the team in Wellington while Nathan Hirayama takes over the reigns in Sydney. The pair replaces regular captain John Moonlight as he has been unable to train with the team due to other commitments.
"John [Moonlight] has been unable to train with the team due to course commitments but will join up with the squad in Wellington and be available for both legs," head coach Damian McGrath said.
"It's important to have your leaders around in practice as well as games, so it's great having Nate [Hirayama] and Harry [Jones] to lead the team. They're just sharing the load so John doesn't have to worry and he can focus on just playing."
Eleven regulars have retained their spots in the 13-man squad while Lucas Hammond has been recalled to the group and Isaac Kaay receives his first senior call-up.
"Lucas has proven himself on the Series before and he's a great boost to the squad. Isaac has impressed me in training, he's a big physical unit and he will bring that hard edge to some of our forward play.
"It's disappointing to lose Liam and Phil but we haven't lost anything with these additions," McGrath added.
In Wellington, Canada has been drawn alongside Wales, Scotland and Russia in Pool D.
"I have a sneaky feeling we could beat either Wales or Scotland and grab a quarterfinal place and I think our performances, not just this year, but the past 12 months, that's something we deserve," he stated.
Canada is coming off of a 13th place finish in Cape Town and currently sit 13th in the 2016-17 standings.
Canada Sevens: Justin Douglas, Mike Fuailefau, Lucas Hammond, Nathan Hirayama (Sydney captain), Harry Jones (Wellington captain), Caleb Jordan, Isaac Kaay, Pat Kay, Karsten Leitner, Luke McCloskey, John Moonlight, Matt Mullins, Adam Zaruba.
