New Zealand Women’s Sevens contracted squad confirmed

Jan 22 • General News, International, Sevens Rugby, World Rugby • 3487 Views • Comments Off on New Zealand Women’s Sevens contracted squad confirmed

New Zealand Women’s Sevens coach Sean Horan today named 19 contracted players for the 2014 season.

The players are:

Shakira Baker
Michaela Blyde*
Kelly Brazier
Gayle Broughton*
Sarah Goss
Vaine Greig
Honey Hireme
Carla Hohepa
Hayley Hutana
Linda Itunu
Kayla McAlister
Huriana Manuel
Tyla Nathan-Wong
Shiray Tane
Alexis Tapsell
Hazel Tubic
Ruby Tui
Selica Winiata
Portia Woodman

*new cap

The squad features the nucleus of players who helped the team win the inaugural IRB Women’s Sevens World Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2013. There are two new comers to the side – 18 year old Micheala Blyde and 17 year old Gayle Broughton, both from Taranaki.

“It’s pleasing to have contracted the bulk of players who performed so well for the side over the past 18 months,” said Horan.

“I’m really happy for the two youngsters, Gayle and Micheala. They proved they’ve got what it takes to succeed at this level at the National Sevens in Rotorua where they were real stand-outs.

“We are building great depth in the sevens game in this country and I saw plenty of talent across all teams in Rotorua. There were some hard calls to make for this squad, but we needed to balance our needs for the World Series this year, against our need to have a squad capable of winning in Rio in 2016. So I am happy with the mix of youth and experience in this squad which equips us well for the challenges ahead.”

The New Zealand Women’s Sevens squad next assembles in Wellington for a training camp on 5 February and will play an exhibition match at Sevens Wellington on Friday 7 February. The team then heads overseas for the next two tournaments in the World Series, in Atlanta (15, 16 February) and Sao Paulo (21, 22 February).