2022 World Sevens Series

[Stargazer]

Totally forgot that the (2021/)2022 Series started this weekend, without NZ participation, by the way.

Men's draw: https://www.world.rugby/sevens-series/stage/2060/match#matches

Women's draw: https://www.world.rugby/sevens-series/stage/2061/match#matches

[ARHS]

@stargazer. Has been any word been given when they will join or if squads are assembled in preparation? Can't believe how little news being provided for fans.

[Stargazer]

@arhs Indeed, very little info. This was hidden in the media release about Scott Curry re-committing to the AB7s:

The All Blacks Sevens have begun pre-season training. They will not compete in the first two tournaments in Dubai due to Covid-19 travel restrictions but will re-join the World Series in 2022.

An earlier media release (about the Hamilton and Sydney tournaments not taking place in 2022) had this info:

Although several tournaments on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will resume in 2021, the Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens will not be traveling to those events due to current travel restrictions in place.

NZR and Rugby Australia will continue to consult with World Rugby regarding the establishment of several regional Oceania Sevens tournaments with the support of the Australian government, as preparation for the men's and women's teams ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

I don't think there's more info, apart from social media posts with photos of preseason training (posted by players).

The first tournament in 2022 (21 - 23 January) will be played in Malaga.

[ARHS]

@stargazer thanks Stargazer.

[Bovidae]

Some new faces in both the men's and women's squad with an injection of youth.

Men:
Kurt Baker (Hawke's Bay)
Leroy Carter (Bay of Plenty)
Che Clark (Auckland)
Dylan Collier (Waikato)
Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty)
Sam Dickson (Canterbury)
Rhodes Featherstone (Taranaki)
Trael Joass (Bay of Plenty)
Andrew Knewstubb (Horowhenua Kapiti)
Moses Leo (North Harbour)
Ngarohi McGarvey-Black (East Coast)
Tim Mikkelson (Waikato)
Sione Molia (Counties Manukau)
Tone Ng Shiu (Auckland)
Amanaki Nicole (Southland)
Akuila Rokolisoa (Counties Manukau)
Brady Rush (Northland)
Roderick Solo (Wellington)
Caleb Tangitau (Auckland)
Kitiona Vai (Auckland)
Regan Ware ( Ta$man)
Joe Webber (Bay of Plenty).

Women:
Shakira Baker (Bay of Plenty)
Micheala Blyde (Bay of Plenty)
Kelly Brazier (Bay of Plenty)
Gayle Broughton (Taranaki)
Theresa Fitzpatrick (Auckland)
Stacey Fluhler (Waikato)
Sarah Hirini (Manawatu)
Jaz Hotham (Waikato)
Shiray Kaka (Waikato)
Jorja Miller (Canterbury)
Tyla Nathan Wong (Northland)
Manaia Nuku (Bay of Plenty)
Risi Pouri-Lane (Bay of Plenty)
Alena Saili (Bay of Plenty)
Terina Te Tamaki (Waikato)
Kelsey Teneti (Waikato)
Ruby Tui (Counties Manukau)
Niall Williams (Auckland)
Tenika Willison (Waikato)
Portia Woodman (Northland)

But...

[ARHS]

@bovidae Surprised to see neither Tom Florence or Coombes Fabling there. Presumably they are seriously in Chiefs WTG now. Happy for Rhodes Featherstone after how he played last year, and will be interesting to see Tangitau at this level.

[Bovidae]

As I've said before Coombes-Fabling has shown that he is a very good sevens players, but I assume that he wants to focus on XVs.

Che Clarke is an interesting selection. He has some serious speed for a lock/6.

[Bones]

@bovidae please please please can Rod Solo become a big star

[Bovidae]

@bones said in 2022 World Sevens Series:

@bovidae please please please can Rod Solo become a big star

For his name?

I talked him up after watching Solo playing for NZS. The article says he had a serious ACL injury, which is why has hasn't been seen in the last 12-18 months.

[Bones]

@bovidae who wouldn't want to hear more about Solo, Rod.

[ARHS]

@bones Chewbacca. There was only one deserving the name in his eyes. Wouldn't pick a fight with that Wookie.

[Crucial]

@bovidae said in 2022 World Sevens Series:

As I've said before Coombes-Fabling has shown that he is a very good sevens players, but I assume that he wants to focus on XVs.

To small for most coaches/selectors at higher levels I would think. (At wing anyway)

[Bovidae]

@crucial said in 2022 World Sevens Series:

@bovidae said in 2022 World Sevens Series:

As I've said before Coombes-Fabling has shown that he is a very good sevens players, but I assume that he wants to focus on XVs.

To small for most coaches/selectors at higher levels I would think. (At wing anyway)

He is definitely too small to play wing in XVs at the higher level, which is why I think sevens is a better option. SA have a lot of quick players of a similar size. In the video below LCF is not always on the wing. He's good over the ball too, and scored the first and last (game-winning) try of the match.

[Nepia]

I don't really know him, but is there no way he can put on 4 1/2 kgs and then be taller and heavier than Sevu Reece?

[ARHS]

Was interesting to finally see a new team emerge on the sevens circuit. Nice win for the Polish team over Canada women. The winger Koldej looks like a real flyer. We need more of this and the likes of Brazil getting serious about rugby.

[Bovidae]

https://www.allblacks.com/news/sevens-star-gayle-broughton-stepping-away-from-rugby/

[canefan]

@bovidae said in 2022 World Sevens Series:

https://www.allblacks.com/news/sevens-star-gayle-broughton-stepping-away-from-rugby/

The lack of rugby for the BF 7s probably doesn't help

[Bovidae]

They still get paid. Broughton is moving to Australia. There will likely be more changes from the core group that had so much success.

[Stargazer]

She was still one of the best players in the squad, so it's a pity she's leaving, but it's understandable if you've won everything there is to win.

This year's RWC Sevens and Commonwealth Games Sevens will show us where they're at with the new players.

[booboo]

Old bugger getting long in the tooth.