Monday 30 May, 2016

Aussie Women's Sevens second in France but claim maiden World Series title


The Qantas Australian Women's Sevens team has finished runners-up in Clermont-Ferrand overnight but have emerged from France with the 2015-16 HSBC Women's Sevens World Series title.

Tim Walsh's side beat Spain (35-0) in the Cup Quarter-Final before seeing off trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand (14-5) in the Semi-Final. Canada were too good in the tournament decider as they emerged deserved winners (29-19) to become just the second side to beat Australia this campaign.

Qantas Australian Women's Head Coach Tim Walsh said: "To come out on top in the World Series is an extraordinary effort and we have so much to be proud of this season. Defence wins championships and up to that last game we had been fantastic all year. 

"It's a bit bittersweet I guess as we just didn't perform in that Cup Final and Canada ran out worthy winners. If you don't make tackles you don't win games and it certainly wasn't our greatest defensive effort. It wasn't a case of us not being up for it - every time we pull on the jersey we are up for it - but it wasn't our game this time around. We'll learn from it."

Walsh added: "This group of players are continually challenging themselves and we'll be working hard to improve when we get back to training at Narrabeen next week. We have a big few months ahead and it's a challenge that is exciting for everyone."

Safe in the knowledge that a win in the Cup Quarter-Final over Spain would secure the World Series, the Aussies dominated from start to finish. Emilee Cherry settled any nerves with a try on four minutes before Evania Pelite doubled the advantage two minutes later to give her side a 14-point advantage at the break.

Further tries from Chloe Dalton, a solo effort from Cherry and a classic team try that saw Charlotte Caslick score put the seal on a commanding performance.

The Cup Semi-Final against New Zealand was a different game entirely, with a huge emphasis placed on the breakdown. In a first half with few opportunities it was co-captain Shannon Parry who broke the deadlock when she spotted a gap in the opposition defence to race clear and score under the posts.

Unsurprisingly, the three-time World Champion New Zealand outfit came back in the second period but once again Parry was on hand to not only make a try-saving tackle, but generate a crucial turnover. From there, she found Evania Pelite who in turn found Chloe Dalton who broke the tackle of NZ captain Sarah Goss. Dalton offloaded to Emilee Cherry who had the job of crossing the whitewash with another long-range effort.

New Zealand speedster Portia Woodman scored a trademark effort in the last 90 seconds to give her side hope but it proved no more than a consolation as the Australians reached their fourth final in five attempts this season.

A 19-point half-time deficit proved too much for Australia to overcome as Canada won the Clermont Sevens Cup Final at the Stade Gabriel Montpied. Magali Harvey and Kelly Russell scored early on but Chloe Dalton replied for the Australians after a fine solo effort. However, Ghislaine Landry and Brittany Benn both dotted down to give Canada a healthy advantage to take to the half-time break.

Inevitably, Australia hit back in the second period through firstly Ellia Green and then Emilee Cherry as the green and gold turned the screw but the game was put out of reach when Landry scored a penalty from right under the posts in the final 90 seconds of a compelling contest.

Australia's runners-up placing in France sees the side elevated to the number one seeding for the Rio 2016 Olympics in August, ahead of previous incumbents New Zealand.

The 12-woman squad that will travel to Brazil to Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics will be announced by Head Coach Tim Walsh on Thursday 14 July in Sydney.

Qantas Australian Women's Sevens results in Clermont-Ferrand, France, 28-30 May:
Australia 34-0 Fiji, Pool C
Australia 40-5 Ireland, Pool C
Australia 19-12 France, Pool C
Australia 35-0 Spain, Cup Quarter-Final
Australia 14-5 New Zealand, Cup Semi-Final
Australia 19-29 Canada, Cup Final

Final 2015-16 HSBC Women's Sevens World Series Standings (top six): 1. Australia (94 World Series points), 2. New Zealand (80 points), 3. Canada (74 points), 4. England (74 points), 5. France (60 points), 6. USA (46 points)



Editor Notes
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens squad for the France Sevens at Clermont-Ferrand, 28-29 May:
1. Shannon Parry. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
2. Sharni Williams. Place of Birth: Batlow, NSW
3. Nicole Beck. Place of Birth: Bulli, NSW
4. Tiana Penitani. Place of Birth: Canberra, ACT. Hometown: Maroubra, NSW
5. Emma Tonegato. Place of Birth: Wollongong, NSW
6. Evania Pelite. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
7. Charlotte Caslick. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
8. Chloe Dalton. Place of Birth: Singapore. Hometown: Mona Vale, NSW
9. Amy Turner. Place of Birth: Tokoroa, NZ. Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
10. Alicia Quirk. Place of Birth: Wagga Wagga, NSW
11. Emilee Cherry. Place of Birth: Roma, QLD. Hometown: Toowoomba, QLD
12. Ellia Green. Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji. Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
 

The Australian Sports Commission is proud to support the ARU's National Rugby Sevens program by providing funding and direct athlete support as part of Australia's Winning Edge game plan for moving from world class to world best

Sunday 29 May, 2016

Aussie Women's Sevens within touching distance of maiden World Series title

The Qantas Australian Women's Sevens team are just one win away from clinching the country's first-ever World Series title.

Australia will play Spain in the Cup Quarter-Finals in Clermont-Ferrand, France (9.04pm AEST) on Sunday evening having beaten Fiji (34-0), Ireland (40-5) and hosts France (19-12) on Day One.

A win over Spain - and qualification for the Cup Semi-Finals - will give Australia an unassailable lead at the top of the 2015-16 HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens standings.

Qantas Australian Women's Sevens Head Coach Tim Walsh said: "I thought we executed our game plan well throughout the day and to win three games against three tough opponents is never easy.

"Of course we are happy with our day's work but we are acutely aware that tomorrowfirst-up is our most important game. We're going to prepare like any other day and we don't want any regrets."

On the Cup Quarter-Final clash with Spain, who famously eliminated Australia at the same stage during the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup, Walsh added: "They play with such aggression and never, ever give up. That's why they have beaten New Zealand and the USA a couple of times.

"We'll have to ensure we're right on our game from the get-go. Spain will have our complete and utter respect - obviously the aim from there is to win and take it from there and go deep into this tournament."

Walsh also confirmed there were no injury worries in the camp heading into Finals Day.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet herself, it was Charlotte Caslick who was the chief architect as Australia saw off Fiji in their six-tries-to-nil tournament opener against Fiji.

After the Fijiana dominated early possession, Emma Tonegato's 49th and 50th tries on the Sevens World Series circuit gave the Aussies the edge. Chloe Dalton and the returning Ellia Green added further tries before half-time and Amy Turner and Evania Pelite completed the rout in the second half.

Walsh's side turned on the style against an Ireland side that has caused them one or two problems already this season. Ireland controlled the opening stages without looking threatening and it was wing wizard Ellia Green who scored first when she broke the shackles of the opposition defence to streak clear score on the left.

Sharni Williams and Tiana Penitani crossed over either side of half-time to extend the lead and even though Lucy Mulhall pulled one five-pointer back for Ireland, further tries from Green, Chloe Dalton and Alicia Quirk put the final outcome well and truly beyond doubt.

In the final game of the day in Pool C and in front of a partisan crowd at the Stade Gabriel Montpied, Australia opened the scoring with a sensational try that saw Nicole Beck break clear and find Alicia Quirk who made no mistake from close range. However, buoyed by home support, the French hit back when Camille Grassineau fended off the challenge of Tiana Penitani to score on the right.

Beck once again made a break in the final minute of the opening stanza and after the ball was worked through several sets of hands, Evania Pelite found Shannon Parry to cross the whitewash. Ellia Green put the tie out of reach for the home nation when she streaked clear for her fourth try of the weekend and though Caroline Ladagnous scored after the siren, it proved no more than a consolation.

In tomorrow's other Cup Quarter-Finals in Clermont-Ferrand, in-form England play the USA, New Zealand take on hosts France and Canada will meet Fiji.

Worldrugby.org will stream all of the action on Day Two up to and including the Cup Semi-Finals. FOX SPORTS 2 only will broadcast all of the action from the Bowl Final onwards.

Qantas Australian Women's Sevens results in Clermont-Ferrand, France, 28-29 May:
Australia 34-0 Fiji, Pool C
Australia 40-5 Ireland, Pool C
Australia 19-12 France, Pool C

Qantas Australian Women's Sevens fixture in Clermont-Ferrand, France, 29 May:
Australia v Spain, Cup Quarter-Final, 9.04pm AEST


Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens squad for the France Sevens at Clermont-Ferrand, 28-29 May:
1. Shannon Parry. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
2. Sharni Williams. Place of Birth: Batlow, NSW
3. Nicole Beck. Place of Birth: Bulli, NSW
4. Tiana Penitani. Place of Birth: Canberra, ACT. Hometown: Maroubra, NSW
5. Emma Tonegato. Place of Birth: Wollongong, NSW
6. Evania Pelite. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
7. Charlotte Caslick. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
8. Chloe Dalton. Place of Birth: Singapore. Hometown: Mona Vale, NSW
9. Amy Turner. Place of Birth: Tokoroa, NZ. Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
10. Alicia Quirk. Place of Birth: Wagga Wagga, NSW
11. Emilee Cherry. Place of Birth: Roma, QLD. Hometown: Toowoomba, QLD
12. Ellia Green. Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji. Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
 

The Australian Sports Commission is proud to support the ARU's National Rugby Sevens program by providing funding and direct athlete support as part of Australia's Winning Edge game plan for moving from world class to world best

Wednesday 25 May, 2016

Dates revealed for 2017 HSBC Sydney 7s carnival



The Australian Rugby Union and the NSW Government today confirmed that the 2017 HSBC Sydney 7s will take place between 4-5 February at Allianz Stadium.

In February, over 73,000 supporters watched a day like no other on the Australian sporting calendar. Fans saw some of the world’s greatest athletes take to the field while enjoying a unique atmosphere that saw the fans of 16 nations united in one stadium. New Zealand took the honours at the inaugural event after edging hosts Australia (27-24) in a thrilling Cup Final.

With tickets set to go on general sale in October, fans are encouraged to sign up to keep up-to-date with all the latest ticket information for the HSBC Sydney 7s via the official tournament website – www.sydney7s.com.au.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said the 2017 event will build on the incredible success of this year’s tournament.
 
“The inaugural Sydney 7s was a huge success, attracting sports fans from around the world to the Harbour City for a festival of fast, running rugby. The atmosphere in the ground was incredible and I encourage everyone to get to Sydney on 4-5 February to experience the colour and action of rugby sevens,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“The Sydney 7s has been secured for the State by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. This year’s event provided a huge boost to the local visitor economy, attracting more than 17,000 domestic and international overnight visitors to NSW, with a total visitor spend of over $10 million.”

Sydney will host a leg of the 2016-17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series alongside a host of iconic cities across the globe including Hong Kong, Dubai, London, Cape Town and Las Vegas.

Global Head of HSBC Sponsorship and Events, Giles Morgan said “As worldwide sponsor of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, it is with great pride that we have seen the series grow from strength and we are thrilled by the enormous success of the inaugural Sydney7s event both on and off the field.”

Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver said: “The 2016 HSBC Sydney 7s showcased everything that is great about the game. Not only did we see some stunning rugby, but we also saw fans from different cultures having a weekend to remember. There was plenty of entertainment for the adults and a great family vibe to the event as well.

“It highlighted that the game has never been in a healthier shape globally. By the time February rolls around, fans will be watching current Olympians take to the field, elite athletes at the peak of their powers.”

Tickets for the 2016 HSBC Sydney 7s sold out nine days before the big kick-off and Pulver added: “We’d strongly encourage fans wishing to get to the event next February to snap up tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.”

In March 2015, it was announced that the Australian leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series would be hosted in Sydney for four years having been secured by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

In the coming months, the Australian Rugby Union will be announcing a program of activity to entice locals, intra-state and inter-state fans to the event in Sydney while also opening up ideas for the theme of the 2017 HSBC Sydney 7s to the public viawww.sydney7s.com.au.

“Allianz Stadium is undoubtedly the home of rugby in NSW – when the Wallabies take on England on June 25, it will be the third rugby union sellout crowd at Moore Park this year alone after two sold out days of the Sydney 7s,” said Jamie Barkley, Chief Executive of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.

The Australian Rugby Union also confirmed that, in partnership with the NSW Government, it has formally submitted a tender to host a leg of the HSBC Women’s Sevens World Series for three years, commencing 2016-17 season.

2016-17 HSBC Sevens World Series dates:
Round 1: Dubai, UAE - 2-3 December 2016
Round 2: Cape Town, South Africa - 10-11 December 2016
Round 3: Wellington, New Zealand - 28-29 January 2017
Round 4: Sydney, Australia - 4-5 February 2017
Round 5: Las Vegas, USA - 3-5 March 2017
Round 6: Vancouver, Canada - 11-12 March 2017
Round 7: Hong Kong - 8-9 April 2017
Round 8: Singapore - 15-16 April 2017
Round 9: Paris, France - 13-14 May 2017
Round 10: London, England - 20-21 May 2017

Monday 23 May, 2016

Australia finish fourth in World Series despite indifferent London Sevens

The Qantas Australian Men's Sevens team has finished the 2015-16 HSBC Sevens World Series in fourth despite a disappointing weekend at Twickenham.

Andy Friend's much-changed side finished tenth after a Bowl Final defeat to Wales (24-19). Earlier, Australia had beaten Portugal (17-12) and Samoa (22-21) after dropping out of the Cup competition on Day One.

Despite the below-par showing in London, Australia accrued enough points from the weekend to seal fourth spot in the World Series standings and its highest final placing since 2009-10.

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said: "Obviously the Bowl competition is not where we want to be though there were some positives to come out from the weekend.

"To get Pama [Fou] back on the field doing what he does well - taking restarts and scoring tries - was a plus. He had a solid tournament and Henry Hutchison proved himself once again to be a world-class talent. It was also good for Jesse [Parahi] to get another tournament under his belt."

On today's games, Friend added: "I was really disappointed with the game against Portugal. We didn't play smart and we weren't physical enough even though we managed to get the win. I was happier with the display against Samoa and we were certainly more clinical with the ball but we simply couldn't hold of the footy against Wales which, in the sixth game of a tough weekend, really hurt us."

Australia qualified for the Bowl Semi-Finals after a scratchy win over a Portugal side that knew defeat would see them relegated as a core side from the World Series for next season.

Pressure early on from the Australians eventually saw Frank Winterstein slip past the opposition defence to dot down for his first World Series points. Tiago Fernandes finished off a fine move to bring the Portuguese to within two points but Sam Figg and Henry Hutchison scored back-to-back tries to give Australia a healthy lead heading into the final two minutes.

However, Joan Belo bundled over to give Portugal late hope and despite having a golden opportunity to level matters after the siren, Australia held on for an unconvincing victory.

A see-saw battle with last weekend's Paris Sevens Cup Winners Samoa eventually saw Australia get over the line by just a solitary point in a nervy affair.

John Porch crossed over from close range in the first minute and Henry Hutchison benefitted from a neat Pama Fou offload to cross over in the right corner. Samoa hit back though to lead at the break after Tila Mealoi's clever chip and chase before skipper Faalemiga Selesele sliced through the Australian defence to score a try of his own.

Hutchison held off the challenge of two Samoan defenders to restore his side's lead and Tom Kingston extended the advantage to eight points when he reached out to score. Alefusio Tapili once again ensured a grandstand finish when he scored a converted try but once again, the Aussies held on.

In the Bowl Final, the lead changed hands four times as Wales eventually run out winners over Australia. John Porch gave the green and gold the lead with his team's first possession of the game only for Rhodri Williams to restore parity just before half-time after Frank Winterstein was yellow-carded for a high shot.

Luke Treharne gave the Welsh the lead early in the second period but Tom Kingston responded straight away with his ninth try of the season. However, two tries in less than a minute from Ben Roach and James Benjamin took the game away from Australia. Pama Fou outpaced the Wales defence on the left to bring the Australians to within five points but it proved no more than a consolation.

Elsewhere at the London Sevens, Scotland won its first-ever Cup Final in World Series history after dramatically scoring twice in the last 30 seconds to defeat series runners-up South Africa (27-26). The USA surprisingly defeated this season's World Champions Fiji (26-19) to take third.

World Rugby will announce the winner of the Rookie of the Year later this morning (AEST) with 19-year-old Australian outside back Henry Hutchison among the nominees alongside Bautista Ezcurra (Argentina), Pheonix Hunapo-Nofoa (Samoa) and Regan Ware (New Zealand). Hutchison scored 27 tries in seven tournaments throughout the 2015-16 HSBC Sevens World Series.

ENDS

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens results in London, England
Australia 22-10 Wales, Pool B
Australia 7-10 England, Pool B
Australia 0-26 Fiji, Pool B
Australia 17-12 Portugal, Bowl Quarter-Final
Australia 22-21 Samoa, Bowl Semi-Final
Australia 19-24 Wales, Bowl Final

Final placings for the London Sevens (Top 10): 1. Scotland (22 World Series points), 2. South Africa (19 points), 3. USA (17 points), 4. Fiji (15 points), 5. New Zealand (13 points), 6. Argentina (12 points), 7. England / France (10 points), 9. Wales (9 points), 10. Australia (8 points)

Final 2015-16 HSBC World Series standings (Top 6): 1. Fiji (181 World Series points), 2. South Africa (171 points), 3. New Zealand (158 points), 4. Australia (134 points), 5. Argentina (119 points), 6. USA (117 points)

Sunday 22 May, 2016

Australian Men's Sevens fall short in bid for Cup Quarter-Final slot at Twickenham

A much-changed Qantas Australian Men's Sevens side has dropped out of Cup competition at the London Sevens after finishing third in Pool B overnight.

The Aussies beat Wales (22-10) in its tournament opener before narrowly losing out to hosts England (10-7) and then Fiji (26-0). With the win, Fiji ensured qualification to the Cup Quarter-Finals and with it back-to-back HSBC Sevens World Series titles.

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said: "Obviously it was a disappointing day in the end. I thought in the first game with Wales we played some good football but against England we had our chances but were not clinical enough when it really counted. We turned over possession too many times and missed too many opportunities when they were presented to us.

"We knew the last game was going to be tough against a side fighting for the title and I felt we actually started that game well. But when you have the ball five metres out from their try line - like we did in the first five or six minutes - you have to come away with points and we didn't do that."

On the prospect of playing in the Bowl competition on Finals Day, Friend added: "It's the last chance for players to put their hand up for Rio selection. We have to lift and show pride in the jersey and I'm very confident we will do that."

Australia kicked off its campaign in London with a hard-fought win over an energetic Wales side. Early pressure from the Welsh had Australia on the back foot but when they did get possession, the green and gold worked the ball up the field and Allan Fa'alava'au fed Henry Hutchison to race clear.

The World Sevens Series Rookie of the Year nominee doubled Australia's lead when he dotted down in the same corner and Sam Figg increased his side's advantage two minutes into the second half. Owen Jenkins gave Wales a glimmer of hope when he just managed to get over the try-line but Pama Fou scored his first five-pointer after a six-month injury lay-off to put the game beyond doubt. Jenkins did register his second of the game after the siren for Wales but it proved no more than a consolation.

Australia were on the back foot for the majority of the game against a full-strength England team, who had earlier easily beat Fiji in their opening match. The hosts opened the scoring through Dan Norton after five minutes but Sam Figg scored a converted try following strong work from Pama Fou on the right wing.

However, England reclaimed the lead in the last 90 seconds of the game. With Pat McCutcheon in the sin bin, the ball was worked to the inside left channel and Marcus Watson darted through to notch the winning score.

Despite Australia having the bulk of possession in the first seven minutes, it was Fiji that snared a 12-point lead through Samisoni Viriviri and Jerry Tuwai. The pattern of play continued into the second half but Kitione Taliga and Osea Kolinisau both profited from some brutal Fijian defence to put the seal on the win and ensure the Pacific Islanders could not be caught at the top of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Australian playmaker Allan Fa'alava'au will be assessed overnight after sustaining a head knock in the final game against Fiji while Jesse Parahi should be fit following a stinger to the shoulder in the same game.

In tomorrow's Cup Quarter-Finals, South Africa will play Argentina, New Zealand take on the USA, England meet Scotland and Fiji will be up against France.

FOX SPORTS 2 will broadcast all of the action on the final day of the 2015-16 HSBC Sevens World Series LIVE at Twickenham from 6.15pm AEST on Sunday evening.


Qantas Australian Men's Sevens results in London, England
Australia 22-10 Wales, Pool B
Australia 7-10 England, Pool B
Australia 0-26 Fiji, Pool B

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens fixture in London, England
Australia v Portugal, Bowl Quarter-Final, 7.36pm AEST
 

The Australian Sports Commission is proud to support the ARU's National Rugby Sevens program by providing funding and direct athlete support as part of Australia's Winning Edge game plan for moving from world class to world best

Wednesday 18 May, 2016

Walsh names Aussies Women’s Sevens squad set for title-tilt in France

[Click here for rights-free images of players selected for the France Sevens]

Qantas Australian Women's Head Coach Tim Walsh has named Sharni Williams and Ellia Green in his title-chasing squad for the final leg of the 2015-16 HSBC World Series in Clermont-Ferrand, France (28-30 May).

The Australians head to France as they bid to become the country's first-ever World Series champions in either the Men's or Women's game. A finish of sixth position or better in Clermont-Ferrand will confirm a maiden series triumph.

Batlow-born Williams has recovered from a knee injury while wing-wizard Green is back after a shoulder problem. Walsh has also recalled Alicia Quirk, Emma Tonegato and Charlotte Caslick after the trio were rested for the last round in Canada.

The 12-players chosen for Clermont-Ferrand make up Australia's most experienced squad ever selected at this level (159 Sevens World Series caps).

Taleena Simon (shoulder), Gemma Etheridge (knee) and Brooke Anderson (leg) are the only players unavailable for selection due to injury.

Tim Walsh said: "The squad has laid down the foundations for a history-making opportunity. To win a world title does not come around very often and to win the most prestigious series in Women's Rugby would be a huge honour. The series demands respect and that is what we have given it from day one. Also, what better way to prepare for an Olympics?

"That said, it's one game at a time for us. We expect nothing less than professional preparation and high performance from each other. Our pool is very competitive and I can see France in particular being strong on their home turf while Ireland and Fiji have demonstrated on more than one occasion what they are capable of."

Meanwhile, Shannon Parry has been named as co-captain of the Australian Women's Sevens team alongside Sharni Williams.

Walsh added: "Shannon has led the team as captain terrifically well over the past three tournaments and making her co-captain takes some of the load from Sharni's shoulders. It really allows her to focus on performance after a lengthy injury. Our priority first and foremost is to get Sharni firing again and getting back to the form that sees her as one of the premier forwards in the game."

World Rugby will stream Day One LIVE from France and will continue to do so up to and including the Cup Semi-Finals. FOX SPORTS only will broadcast all of the action from the Plate Final onwards.

Qantas Australian Women's Sevens fixtures in Clermont-Ferrand, France, 28-29 May:
Australia v Fiji, Pool C, 8.28pm AEST (28 May)
Australia v Ireland, Pool C, 11.12pm AEST (28 May)
Australia v France, Pool C, 1.56am AEST (29 May)

Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens squad for the France Sevens at Clermont-Ferrand, 28-29 May:
1. Shannon Parry. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
2. Sharni Williams. Place of Birth: Batlow, NSW
3. Nicole Beck. Place of Birth: Bulli, NSW
4. Tiana Penitani. Place of Birth: Canberra, ACT. Hometown: Maroubra, NSW
5. Emma Tonegato. Place of Birth: Wollongong, NSW
6. Evania Pelite. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
7. Charlotte Caslick. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
8. Chloe Dalton. Place of Birth: Singapore. Hometown: Mona Vale, NSW
9. Amy Turner. Place of Birth: Tokoroa, NZ. Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
10. Alicia Quirk. Place of Birth: Wagga Wagga, NSW
11. Emilee Cherry. Place of Birth: Roma, QLD. Hometown: Toowoomba, QLD
12. Ellia Green. Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji. Hometown: Melbourne, VIC

13th player. Georgie Friedrichs. Place of Birth: Toowoomba, QLD

Editor Notes:
- Current 2015-16 HSBC Women's Sevens World Series standings (Top 6 - after four rounds): 1. Australia (76 World Series points), 2. New Zealand (64 points), 3. England (60 points), 4. Canada (54 points), 5. France (48 points), 6. Russia (38 points)
- Australia needs to finish at least sixth in Clermont to confirm themselves as World Series champions – providing nearest rivals New Zealand were to go on and win the tournament. If New Zealand were to finish second, then Australia needs to finish seventh to win the World title, and so on.

Tuesday 17 May, 2016

Fou returns as Aussie Sevens make six changes for London

[Click here for rights-free images of selected players]

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens excitement machine Pama Fou will make his return to the World Series after being named in Andy Friend's squad for the London Sevens this weekend.

Twenty-five year old Fou is one of six changes for the two-day tournament at Twickenham with Allan Fa'alava'au, Stephan van der Walt, Sam Figg, Frank Winterstein and John Porch all linking up with the squad in England.

Tom Lucas (knee), Nick Malouf (knee), Lewis Holland (ankle), Greg Jeloudev (foot), Tom Cusack (wrist) and Henry Speight (cheekbone) were not considered due to injury while Ed Jenkins, Cam Clark, Con Foley, James Stannard and Sam Myers are all rested.

In Jenkins' absence, Pat McCutcheon will captain the team while Jesse Parahi retains his spot after impressing on his return to the World Series arena in Paris last weekend.

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said: "It's a big weekend for all of the players in this squad. It's the last opportunity for them to impress me on the World Series circuit before I select the squad for the Olympics.

"Jesse [Parahi] was one player who did stick his hand up last weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing him back it up. I've not had the luxury of being able to select Pama [Fou] as yet – but he’s been looking sharp since returning to full training and to see him and Henry Hutchison combine is a potentially explosive mix."

Australia has been drawn in Pool C for the series finale alongside hosts England, Wales and a Fiji side that could potentially include cross-code star Jarryd Hayne in its ranks.

Friend added: "Challenges don't get much bigger than the pool we have drawn. World Series champions-elect Fiji, a full-strength England side on home soil and a Wales team who have proved on more than one occasion that they are a match for anyone. It's a huge challenge, but an exciting one at the same time."

London has been a happy hunting ground for the Australian Sevens team in recent times having reached the last three Cup Finals at the Home of English Rugby.

With one round of the 2015-16 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series remaining, Australia sits fourth in the standings (127 points), 18 points behind New Zealand in third place. Qualification for the Cup Quarter-Finals will ensure Fiji claims back-to-back World Series titles.

FOX SPORTS will broadcast all of the action from London LIVE throughout the weekend.



Qantas Australian Men's Sevens fixtures in London, England, 21-22 May:
Australia v Wales, Pool C, 8.42pm AEST (21 May)
Australia v England, Pool C, 12.10am AEST (22 May)
Australia v Fiji, Pool C, 2.54am AEST (22 May)

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens squad for the London Sevens (names in alphabetical order):
Nick Cummins. Place of Birth: Port Macquarie, NSW
Allan Fa'alava'au. Club: Endeavour Hills, VIC. Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
Sam Figg. Club: Randwick, NSW. Place of Birth: Johannesburg, South Africa
Pama Fou. Club: Souths, QLD. Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
Josh Holmes. Club: Warringah Rats, NSW. Place of Birth: Newport, NSW
Henry Hutchison. Club: Randwick, NSW. Place of Birth: Crows Nest, NSW
Tom Kingston. Club: Sydney University, NSW. Hometown: Sydney, NSW
Jesse Parahi. Club: Northern Suburbs, NSW. Hometown: Avoca Beach, NSW
John Porch. Club: Northern Suburbs, NSW. Place of Birth: Orange, NSW
Pat McCutcheon. Club: Sydney University. Place of Birth: Narromine, NSW
Stephan van der Walt. Club: Souths, QLD. Place of Birth: Kersdop, South Africa
Frank Winterstein. Place of Birth: Canterbury, NSW