Written by Nathan Williamson on Nov 22, 2024 08:31 AM, courtesy of qld.rugby Source article.
The Australia Sevens sides have confirmed multiple debutants as they prepare for the opening round of the 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS series in Dubai from November 30.
New men’s coach Liam Barry has named two fresh faces, with Australia U20s star Aden Ekanayake and NSW young Sid Harvey named for their debuts.
Watch every round of the HSBC SVNS Series exclusive, ad-free and live on Stan Sport.
Ekanayake started every game at the U20 World Championships and has been involved in the Sevens squad over the past year.
Meanwhile, Harvey is coming off a 27-point haul in the Final of Easts’ premiership winning Colts side along with a strong season for the NSW Waratahs U19s.
The outside back is one of several fresh faces to earn contracts for the upcoming season alongside Conor Hickey, Ben Dalton, Henry Palmer and Jayden Blake.
Stalwarts Maurice Longbottom and Dietrich Roache miss the tournament due to injury.
As for the Women’s side, Olympic debutant Kahli Henwood will make her first appearance on the World Series, earning a full-time contract alongside Kiiahla Duff and Amahli Hala.
She is joined by Queensland standout Duff following her impressive performances in Next Gen Sevens, replacing an injured Bienne Terita.
Former captain Demi Hayes will make her successful return from an ACL injury.
Hayes last featured in Cape Town almost a year ago and is one of several returning stars from the team that took out the Dubai tournament last year.
“Since Paris we have had several changes with a number of experienced players and key staff from both Men’s and Women’s programs departing and I want to acknowledge how well the players have applied themselves during the adjustments in preparing for the start of the season,” National Performance Manager Scott Bowen said in a statement.
“It is a new-look Men’s squad with Liam coming on board and we’re excited to get back competing and watching the progression of the young talent coming through particularly with Aden and Sid set to make their debuts next weekend.
“The Women’s team saw plenty of debutants last season and that has created strong depth for Tim to continue their great success on the world stage.”
Australia Women’s Sevens team for HSBC SVNS Dubai 2024/2025:
3. Faith Nathan
5. Teagan Levi
7. Charlotte Caslick
9. Tia Hinds
10. Isabella Nasser
11. Demi Hayes
12. Maddison Levi
13. Heidi Dennis
14. Bridget Clark
15. Kahli Henwood*
23. Ruby Nicholas
28. Kiiahla Duff*
65. Sariah Paki
* denotes debutant
Remaining 2024/2025 squad members:
Madison Ashby, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Kaitlin Shave, Amahli Hala, Sidney Taylor, Bienne Terita.
Australia Men’s Sevens team for HSBC SVNS Dubai 2024/2025:
1. Henry Hutchison
2. Ben Dowling
3. Henry Palmer
6. Henry Paterson
7. James McGregor
9. Matt Gonzalez
10. Ben Dalton
12. Nathan Lawson
14. James Turner
15. Sid Harvey*
23. Aden Ekanayake*
25. Hayden Sargeant
87. Michael Icely*denotes debutant
Remaining 2024/2025 squad members:
Maurice Longbottom, Hadley Tonga, Dietrich Roache, Dally Bird, Conor Hickey, Jayden Blake.
