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Speedster Sherwin Stowers has returned to the New Zealand Sevens squad as coach Gordon Tietjens goes all out to claim back the IRB Sevens World Series. 

Stowers injured an ankle in the final of the USA Sevens in Las Vegas back in February which subsequently led him to miss last month’s Adelaide and Hong Kong legs.

The Counties Manukau man crossed for 20 tries in the first four tournaments of the season and his inclusion could prove crucial along with other returnees, Lote Raikabula and Solomon King.

With just two legs of the Series remaining in London (22-23 May) and Edinburgh (29-30 May) the Kiwis find themselves just three points adrift of leaders Samoa.

A new face in the squad is Taranaki teenager Beauden Barrett, who will have a double reason to celebrate as he is set to make his New Zealand Sevens debut, whilst also celebrating his 19th birthday while away with the team.

Tietjens said he was confident he would be fielding his strongest team for the last two tournaments of the season.

"It's great to have Lote, Solomon and Sherwin back into the mix and have a fully fit team. All the players know they really have to dig deep and lift our game for these next two tournaments if we want overtake Samoa and win the series," he said.

Raikabula’s return is a particular positive for Tietjens, seen as a forward who can help nullify the all-action Samoans, should the two meet again.

Samoa have been victorious in the last three World Series in tournaments and following their defeat in Hong Kong have now beaten New Zealand in their last five meetings.

The Kiwis face Wales, Portugal and Kenya at the Twickenham group stages.

New Zealand Sevens for London and Edinburgh:
Kurt Baker (Taranaki), Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Toby Arnold (Bay of Plenty), Sherwin Stowers (Counties Manukau), Save Tokula (Waikato)