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Springbok Sevens stars Mzwandile Stick and Mpho Mbiyozo have returned to the 15-man code, the South African Rugby Union announced.

The pair were granted release from their SARU contracts to take up offers to join the Eastern Province Rugby Union.

"We granted their release with a heavy heart, but they have achieved so much in Sevens and have ambitions that they wanted to fulfil in the 15-a-side game so we thought it only right to allow them the opportunity," said Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu.

"They have been fantastic servants of the Sevens squad, winning the IRB World Sevens Series in 2008/2009 as well being part of tournament winning teams around the world. I'm sure that the experience and skills they have acquired in Sevens will stand them in good stead - as well as their provinces - in future."

Treu said he had begun succession planning some time ago, which had been hastened by injuries to several leading players in the past season.

"Someone like Cecil Afrika has come through to be a star of the Series this season and we have also been able to test other young players," he said.

"I have also spoken to some provinces about releasing their players when it comes to the Commonwealth Games championship in India in October."

Replacements for Stick and Mbiyozo in the group of contracted Springbok Sevens players will be announced later in the year.

Ryan excited for Australia clash

England Sevens coach Ben Ryan is looking forward to a mouth-watering clash with Australia following the declaration of the pools for October’s Commonwealth Games.

The 2006 silver medallists have been placed in Pool D with the Aussies, Namibia and Sri Lanka for the tournament that takes place between October 11-12.

England were beaten 29-21 in the Melbourne final four years ago when New Zealand claimed their third gold medal following their wins at Manchester (2002) and Kuala Lumpur (1998).

"It brings it all to life now the draw has been made and it will concentrate our minds on the task in hand and what we need to do over the two days to finish top of the pile at the Commonwealth Games," said England Sevens head coach Ryan.

"Over the years we've had the upper hand against Australia but this season just gone they've put together a side equal to any in the world. The scoreline from the last IRB Sevens World Series reads won two, lost two, drawn one which shows you how tight it's been. It's going to be an absolute ding-dong in Delhi and it's the tastiest match-up in the qualifying round.

"One of the most exciting things is being part of a larger Team England. Building relationships, seeking advice and sharing knowledge with other sports is something we've been doing for a while and to be able to go to the Commonwealth Games with them all will be a great experience."

England are due to meet next week for training with a preliminary Commonwealth Games squad due to be announced shortly.