NZ Sevens 2024-25

[Bovidae]

A new thread for the men's and women's sevens teams

Sarah Hirini recommits to New Zealand Rugby

Black Ferns Sevens co-captain Sarah Hirini has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2026.

Hirini joins several players who have already committed to the sevens programme through to 2026, including Stacey Waaka, Michaela Blyde, Jorja Miller, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Alena Saili and fellow co-captain Risi Pouri-Lane. The full squad will be announced next month.

[Bovidae]

Rising stars rewarded with sevens contracts

Two of the country’s brightest young stars are among those named in the Black Ferns Sevens contracted squad for 2025.

The Black Ferns Sevens squad has 17 players currently contracted, with potential for three players to be added in the new year, and a further five development contracts also on offer. Development contacts allow emerging players to be immersed in the environment for up to 50 days throughout the season.

The Black Ferns Sevens squad is
Michaela Blyde
Kelly Brazier
Maia Davis - new
Dhys Faleafaga
Jazmin Felix-Hotham
Sarah Hirini
Shiray Kaka
Le Oxeayn Maiu'u - new
Justine McGregor
Jorja Miller
Manaia Nuku
Mahina Paul
Risi Pouri Lane
Alena Saili
Theresa Setefano
Kelsey Teneti
Stacey Waaka

They need to move on from Brazier.

[Bovidae]

The Chiefs Rugby Club will have two teams featured in the Elevate 7s tournament at Te Puke Sports and Recreation Club this week.

The two-day tournament will be played on the 1st and 2nd of November to give New Zealand Sevens teams additional game time ahead of the upcoming HSBC World Series. It will also provide an opportunity for many up-and-coming players to show their skills in the shortened format.

Schedule:
Friday 1 November:
12.22pm: Chiefs Manawa 7s v Black Fern 7s
1.06pm: Chiefs 7s v All Black 7s
1.58pm: Chiefs Manawa 7s v Hurricanes Poua 7s
2.42pm: Chiefs 7s v Hurricanes 7s

Chiefs Sevens Squad:
Aidan Spratley (Bay of Plenty)
Apenisa Naevo (Counties Manukau)
Brayden Neilson (Taranaki)
Caelys Putoko (Waikato)
Dan Maisari (Bay of Plenty)
Grady Forbes (Bay of Plenty)
Michah Fale (Waikato)
Rui Farrant (Waikato)
Senita Lauaki (Waikato)
Tai Mildon (Waikato)
Waisake Salabiau (Waikato)
Wiremu Brailey (Bay of Plenty)

Putoko was with the Titans so maybe he is returning to rugby. No Mathis.

Chiefs Manawa Sevens Squad:
Finau Mafi (Waikato)
Hayley Gabriel (Taranaki)
Kaea Nepia (Bay of Plenty)
Kataraina Enosa-Taifau (Counties Manukau)
Kesha Church (Bay of Plenty)
Kokako Raki (Bay of Plenty)
Lele Ieremia (Waikato)
Louise Blyde (Taranaki)
Mele Latu’ila (Counties Manukau)
Montessa Tairakena (Waikato)
Reese Anderson (Waikato)
Rosie Kelly (Canterbury)
Sariyah Paitai (Counties Manukau)

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/chiefs-teams-to-take-the-field-for-elevate-7s-tournament

[zedsdeadbaby]

Mathis is in the NZ selection

[Bovidae]

The NZ teams. I'm disappointed to see Molia and Webber are still there. Time to move on with new, younger and quicker players.

[Bones]

@Bovidae more disappointed to see Ormond. Hopefully his awful form last year was just him finding his way back from injury.

[barky1]

Wonder where Fehi Fineanganofo has gone

[Bones]

@barky1 I figured he was in some other squad as there's also guys like Knewstubb and Dylan whatshisface missing.

[Bovidae]

I found the team lists of the other two teams playing - NZ Cavaliers and Hurricanes. There are some familiar names in both male and female squads.

[kpkanz]

Just to confirm, being in the sevens squad doesn't omit a player from super selection does it??

I'm really hoping Mathis isnt spending the next 8 months playing sevens instead of a full season of super rugby.

Unless this is just a means of keeping in shape during the off-season before super rugby in which case I'm all for it.

[Bovidae]

The NZ Men's squad hasn't been announced yet, at least publicly. These tournaments are being used as preparation for the SVNS Series, and probably as trials for some players. If a player gets a NZR sevens contract they won't be in a SR squad, and vice versa.

Some of the players in that NZ squad will be involved in SR/NZ U20s next year. Mathis was a Chiefs NDC player this year so trained with the main squad.

[Chester Draws]

@kpkanz said in NZ Sevens 2024-25:

I'm really hoping Mathis isnt spending the next 8 months playing sevens instead of a full season of super rugby.

But would he get a full season of super rugby? He's not a starter over Jacobson, Finau and Sititi. If injuries strike he may get a few games.

Full time playing and training with the Sevens would be at least as good, provided he plays.

[Bovidae]

Mathis scored a good try yesterday. The video is on Chiefs SM.

[Bovidae]

Not NZ sevens, but look who the new Aust coach is.

Nathan Williamson  /  Nov 3

Australia Men’s Sevens appoint former All Black Liam Barry as head coach

[mikedogz]

[Mr Fish]

Would love to see Tim Mikkelson play another season or two of NPC for Waikato. What a legend.

[Bovidae]

@Mr-Fish said in NZ Sevens 2024-25:

Would love to see Tim Mikkelson play another season or two of NPC for Waikato. What a legend.

I still remember those 3 tries in the midweek RS win over Taranaki back in 2012. He is 38 now.

Sevens stalwarts call time on international careers

Three of the All Blacks Sevens most capped and successful players are hanging up their boots, with Tim Mikkelson, Scott Curry and Sam Dickson all calling time on their stellar international careers.

[Bovidae]

Before the new squad is officially announced here is the latest:

2024 squad:
Leroy Carter
Che Clark
Dylan Collier
Tepaea Cook Savage
Scott Curry
Sam Dickson
Fefi Fineanganofo
Jayden Keelan
Andrew Knewstubb
Moses Leo
Ngarohi McGarvey Black
Tim Mikkelson
Sione Molia
Tone Ng Shiu
Amanaki Nicole
Lewis Ormond
Akuila Rokolisoa
Brady Rush
Roderick Solo
Payton Spencer
Xavier Tito Harris
Codemeru Vai
Kitiona Vai
Regan Ware
Joe Webber

[Bones]

@Bovidae where have Fehi and Leroy gone?

[Bovidae]

@Bones Hurricanes and Chiefs, respectively.