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With London Sevens under 24 hours away, UR7s once again caught up with a leading player on the IRB World Sevens Series circuit. This time Robin Heymann met with New Zealand Sevens legend Zar Lawrence for some quick fire questions on why the Kiwis have struggled in this campaign, who his toughest opponent has been, and who possess the best/worst banter on ‘Tour’.

Welcome to UR7s Zar! With all the success you have had with New Zealand Sevens the last two UK legs must bring back happy memories?!
Hi guys! Yea we’ve been quite successful up here in previous years, but will obviously be a big effort for us to do it all over again.

What do you see as the major factors for why New Zealand have struggled this season?
Well I don’t think it’s us really, it’s more that the other teams have done their homework and pulled up to us. The rule changes that have been put in have also taken away our aggression in the rucks.

Your coach Gordon Tietjens has struggled to get the continuity of selection he perhaps would have liked this season. How important is that in 7s?
It’s very important. Having to change personnel every tourney does not help breed that consistency. It’s crucial as South Africa have shown.

From a personal point of view it has obviously been a very tough time for you in recent months. Has rugby been an escape for you?
Sort of, but being home is also an escape, especially where I come from in the far north of NZ.

You received a lot of support from the rugby and sevens community in Hong Kong. How touching has that been?
Oh I didn’t really notice that till later on - I was in a zone of just wanting to do the best I could for as long as possible and then worrying about getting home quickly after.

Who is the toughest opponent you have faced on the IRB Sevens circuit and why?
That would have to be South Afrcia as a team but individually I’d probably have to say Emosi Vucago from Fiji – a tough little captain!

The Kiwis have lost out to the rapidly improved Kenyans on a couple of occasions this season. What makes them tough to play against?
They all harness great fitness and speed whilst also seeming to have a lot of fun whilst doing it.

Apart from your home leg in Wellington, what’s your favourite venue on the IRB Circuit?
Has to be out of Hong Kong and Dubai!

You are one of the most experienced guys on the IRB Circuit from a rugby point of view. How has the style of play developed in that time?
It really has changed and developed a lot. It’s definitely become faster and more aggressive.

How exciting is Sevens' potential involvement with the Olympics?
Would be great – easily the best thing to watch in the Olympics.. ha!

From a personal point of view, what are your playing targets for the next couple of years?
To always have fun! Playing in the Super 14 would be nice too! I’m keen to get out to Japan and Europe if I can.

Any hot young prospects we should be looking out for to possibly make a 7s impact in the future?
Timmy Nanai Williams, Julian Savea, and Nafi Tuitavke are the hot young stars you should be looking out for!

What are your interests outside rugby?
Surfing and um... ice sculpting!

Who has the worst and best banter in the Kiwi dressing room?
Well best, that would have to be Nigel Hunt. And worst is Lote Raikabula - 'cause no one can understand him!

Cheers Zar – enjoy the rest of your trip!
All the best UR7s.