Joe Webber. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
The Black Ferns and All Blacks Sevens teams have been selected for the Hong Kong leg of the World Series, with veteran Joe Webber stepping away from the men's team to pursue another ambition.
Veteran Webber will miss the remainder of the World Series to embark on a new journey, with the full support of his All Blacks Sevens whānau to be a part of Te Tohu Paetahi, a total immersion Māori language programme through the University of Waikato.
Webber will re-join the All Blacks Sevens following his completion of the Te Tohu Paetahi programme later this year.
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw has selected a mix of young talent within his squad, which features the inclusion of hopeful debutants Rhodes Featherstone and Xavier Tito-Harris.
After successfully qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics and securing another successful World Series title at the Vancouver Sevens, the Black Ferns Sevens return to the Hong Kong Sevens for the first time since 2001.
Black Ferns Head Coach Cory Sweeney has selected a near unchanged squad.
The group welcome the return of Alena Saili, who sustained a calf injury at the Hamilton Sevens, and Terina Te Tamaki secures a place in the selected 14.
The men's squad is: Akuila Rokolisoa, Amanaki Nicole, Brady Rush, Dylan Collier, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Lewis Ormond, Moses Leo, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Rhodes Featherstone, Sam Dickson (C), Sione Molia, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Xavier Tito-Harris.
Unavailable for selection: Andrew Knewstubb, Tim Mikkelson, Roderick Solo, Scott Curry, Payton Spencer and Tone Ng Shiu (injury). Joe Webber and Regan Ware (personal).
The women's squad is: Alena Saili, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Jorja Miller, Kelly Brazier, Manaia Nuku, Michaela Blyde, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Sarah Hirini (C), Shiray Kaka, Stacey Waaka, Terina Te Tamaki, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Tysha Ikenasio.
Unavailable for selection: Mahina Paul and Theresa Fitzpatrick (injury).