Black Ferns Sevens team named for Kitakyushu Sevens

Apr 19 • General News, International • 1283 Views • Comments Off on Black Ferns Sevens team named for Kitakyushu Sevens

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The Black Ferns Sevens team to play the fourth leg of the 2016/17 HSBC Women’s World Sevens Series in Kitakyushu, starting this Saturday, has been named.

This is the first time an HSBC Women’s World Sevens Series tournament has been held in Japan and helps serves as preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where rugby sevens will feature.

The 12-strong side features three changes from the team that won last month’s Las Vegas tournament, with Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga called into the starting line-up, while 17-year-old Lyric Faleafaga joins the squad for the first time as a travelling reserve with Tenika Willison.

Audio and video of Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Allan Bunting
Please see links to audio and video of Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Allan Bunting previewing the tournament:

AUDIO: https://soundcloud.com/allblacks/allan-bunting-previews-japan-sevens
VNR: https://www.hightail.com/download/dDZIS3dnNDRlcEpMWE5Vag

The team is:

Sarah Goss (Captain)	Manawatu
Michaela Blyde	Bay of Plenty
Kelly Brazier	Bay of Plenty
Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga	Manawatu
Theresa Fitzpatrick	Auckland
Tyla Nathan-Wong	Auckland
Cheyelle Robins-Reti	Waikato
Alena Saili	Southland
Ruby Tui	Canterbury
Kat Whata-Simpkins	Wellington
Niall Williams	Auckland
Portia Woodman	Counties Manukau

Travelling reserves:
Lyric Faleafaga Wellington
Tenika Willison Waikato

Black Ferns Sevens Head Coach Allan Bunting said keeping the core of the series- leading squad together was important while also creating opportunities for up-and-coming talent.

“We’re still focused on consistency and continuity, so we’ve kept most of the squad from Las Vegas. We’ve brought in a couple of new players and Rebekah comes back after missing out the last couple of tournaments.

“Rebekah’s had a couple of work in this series and she’s worked really hard at her game and is making good progress so has been rewarded with selection.”

Seventeen-year-old St Mary’s College Wellington final year student Lyric Faleafaga joins the team for the first time and will experience the international tournament environment in the travelling reserve role.

“This is about Lyric’s development plan, she’s young, has a special talent and at 1.8 meters tall has real height. We’re really excited about her future so it’s all about giving her experiencing in the international tournament environment and personal growth for her.”

Schedule for Black Ferns Sevens pool play:

Saturday 22nd April 2017
3.20pm NZT v Japan
6.05pm NZT v France
8.48pm NZT v Russia

Sunday 23rd April 2017
Finals

Information on World Rugby HSBC Kitakyushu Women’s World Sevens Series Tournament
http://www.worldrugby.org/womens-sevens-series/stage/1721

Black Ferns Sevens Team announcement