Kennewell, Longbottom return as Australia Sevens confirm sides for Hamilton

The Australians Sevens sides have been confirmed for Hamilton ahead of the first event of 2023 on January 21-22.Simon Kennewell headlines the inclusions for the Men's side, appearing in gold for the first time since Cape Town in 2019.HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!He is joined by Maurice Longbottom and speedster James Turner, who both missed Cape Town due to injury.Henry Hutchison will once again captain the side as Nick Malouf continues his rehabilitation, opening their campaign against Great Britain on January 21 (8:38 am AEDT).This will be followed by a blockbuster clash with hosts New Zealand (12:06 pm) before concluding their Pool B action against Tonga (5:05 pm).“The Christmas break came at a great time for us, as we were really fatigued after 12 months of tournaments and a few busted bodies,” said John Manenti, Head Coach of the Men’s team.“We’ve been really pleased by the lead up to Hamilton and we’re excited by the opportunity to play New Zealand at home.“A strong performance in Hamilton will set us up for a good pool in Sydney the following week, and it’s important we get back into the top end of the World Series for Olympic Qualification."Meanwhile, Tim Walsh has a full contingency of players available for selection as they look to rebound following Cape Town.Walsh has picked the same squad that claimed the Dubai title, welcoming Lily Dick and Tia Hinds back from injury.They will start their tournament against Japan (9:22 am) before taking on Canada (12:50 pm) and France (3:56 pm)"We’re expecting our competition to step up, as we’ve found that teams are often just finding their feet in the first two rounds, and only really find their rhythm in the ensuing tournaments,” added Walsh.“The team’s preparations have been very pleasing thus far – the playing group has knuckled down and been conscious of making performance-based decisions.“The group is bubbling with excitement with Sydney 7s around the corner, so they’re keen to get on the field in Hamilton.”Australian Sevens Squads for HamiltonWomenCharlotte Caslick (Co-captain)Demi Hayes (Co-captain)Madison AshbyLily DickDominique Du ToitTia HindsAlysia Lefau-FakaosileaMaddison LeviTeagan LeviFaith NathanSariah PakiBienne TeritaSharni WilliamsMen'sHenry HutchisonStu DunbarDietrich RoacheTim ClementsHenry PatersonJosh TurnerDally BirdMaurice LongbottomNathan LawsonJames TurnerBen MarrTrae WilliamsSimon KennewellAustralian Sevens Hamilton Pool B Schedules*All times AEDTWomenAustralia Women v Japan Women, 9:22 am Australia Women v Canada Women, 12:50 pmAustralia Women v France Women, 3:56 pmMenAustralia Men v Great Britain Men, 8:38 amAustralia Men v New Zealand Men, 12:06 pmAustralia Men v Tonga Men, 5:05 pmClick Here: factory direct men products