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With an influx of Australian internationals, Samurai International are the overwhelming favourites in the women’s competition at the Hyperion Gold Coast International 7s this weekend.

Six of the squad lining up tomorrow at Albert Park were part of Wallaroos side that finished third in the recent RWC Women’s World Cup in England.

They include inspirational captain Cheryl Soon, Cobie-Jane Morgan, Kate Porter, Alex Hargreaves, Iliseva Batibasaga and Kristy Giteau. 

Rebecca Tavo and Nicole Beck, both part of the winning RWC Sevens side, will also be on show in what looks a hugely formidable outfit.

Samurai line-up in Pool A alongside Sydney University, Southern Chiefs and Sunnybank with Eastsyde Wests Women’s Bulldogs, PNG Defence, and Nerang in Pool B. 

In the men’s competition Samurai have lost Chad Tuoro due to a career-threatening injury. Tuoro has suffered a serious bulging disc in his neck which requires an urgent operation.

Randwick’s Matt Mackay, the brother of Shawn Mackay who tragically died last year, will replace Tuoro in the all-star Samurai line-up that was revealed this week.