Wellington Sevens Teams to Kick-off 2016

Whilst the majority of us have had the past two weeks off, both the Wellington Men’s and Women’s teams have been training hard with the aim of winning next weekend’s Bayleys National Sevens.

Preparation for next weekend takes a step up this Saturday with both teams travelling to Mount Manganui to participate in the Nationals warmup Bay Engineers Sevens tournament.

Men’s Sevens coach Scott Waldrom was quick to point out the importance of the tournament, noting that no team in recent years had won the Bayleys National Sevens without taking part in the Bay Engineers tournament. Waldrom said: “This is a vital warm up for us ahead of the Nationals and a further opportunity for some of our boys to press their claims for national honours.”

Waldrom noted Wellington were in a good position leading into this weekend. “We have come through the break well, and players like Murphy Taramai, Max Pearson, Roy Kinikinilau, and Hayden Schrijvers will be wanting to continue their fine form that has seen them very near to selection for New Zealand.

Meanwhile the Women’s Sevens team will be wanting to continue building off the success of 2015 that saw them pipped at the post in the Central Region Sevens final, as well as the form of key players like Georgia Daals and Amanda Rasch through the Women’s National Provincial Championship.

Another to watch out for is 17 year old sensation Ayesha Leti'Iiga. Leti’liga is full of confidence having recently been named in the Black Ferns wider training squad for 2016.

Kat Whata-Simpkins also returns for the first time this summer, having recently participated in the New Zealand Women’s team.

The teams for this weekend are: