NZ women battle for Sevens spots in Dubai

A squad of 31 women will assemble in Auckland today to fight for selection in the New Zealand team to play in the first round of the inaugural IRB Women's Sevens World Series, in Dubai this month.

Those attending the three-day camp possess a mix of experience and new youthful talent.

"It's pretty exciting to think about how far we have come since the Go4Gold (in Rio de Janeiro 2016) recruitment campaign," said head coach, Sean Horan.

"We have found some very talented athletes who have very quickly become skilled rugby players.

"This camp is a great opportunity to check on how players have come out of domestic competitions and specific training programmes."

The women's sevens camp will be based at Bruce Pulman Park in Takanini, Auckland and will comprise the following players:

Auckland:
Marama Davis
Linda Itnunu
Onjeurlina Leiataua
Huriana Manuel
Arihiana Marino
Kayla McAlister
Tyla Nathan-Wong
Tiana Ngawati
Renee Wickliffe
Portia Woodman

Canterbury:
Olivia Bird
Hannah Brand
Tayla Ford
Ruby Tui
Alexis Tapsell

Manawatu:
Sarah Goss
Hayley Hutana
Kristina Sue

North Harbour:
Amanda Rasch

Bay of Plenty:
Lavinia Gould

Taranaki:
Michaela Blyde
Gayle Broughton
Lauren Burgess

Tasman:
Moana Forbes

Waikato:
Ariana Herangi
Honey Hireme
Chyna Hohepa
Carla Hohepa
Crystal Kaua
Jordon Webber

Wellington:
Kiri Mei