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New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has named a new-look team for the first two HSBC Sevens World Series tournaments starting next weekend in Dubai and the following weekend in George.

Six debutants have been named in the side that will travel to defend their title in Dubai on Sunday, including 19-year-old Declan O’Donnell from Waikato.

Also making their New Zealand Sevens debuts are Manawatu’s Scott Curry, Auckland’s Bryce Heem, Waikato’s Frank Halai, Taranaki’s Jackson Ormond and North Harbour’s Jack McPhee.

The team has a mix of experience with Sevens regulars Bay of Plenty’s Toby Arnold, Waikato’s Tim Mikkelson, Manawatu’s Tomasi Cama and Lote Raikabula, and captain DJ Forbes from Counties Manukau all named in the side.

Taranaki’s Scott Waldrom, brother of Leicester Tiger Thomas, has been released by the Chiefs for the first two tournaments and makes a welcome return to the side having last played for the New Zealand Sevens team in 2007.

Tietjens said it was exciting to see some fresh faces in the squad.

“We have some great young talent in this side as well as those players who have had the experience of playing in big tournaments; those players will certainly provide valuable assistance to the new guys during the competition.

“Our goal is to win the Series this season and we are aiming for wins at the front end of the season to get us off to a good start,” he added.

Following the Dubai leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series, the team will travel on to South Africa for the second leg in George.

Not considered for selection due to injury were Bay of Plenty’s Jason Hona (hamstring) and Solomon King (quad).

New Zealand Sevens team for Dubai and George:

Toby Arnold (Bay of Plenty), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Scott Curry (Manawatu), DJ Forbes, captain (Counties Manukau), Frank Halai (Waikato), Bryce Heem (Auckland),Jack McPhee (North Harbour), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato)
Declan O’Donnell (Waikato), Jackson Ormond (Taranaki), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki)