The Australian Men’s Sevens program has confirmed the signing of Wallaby outside back Nick Cummins for 2016.
The 28-year-old will link up with the squad in March and will be available for selection for the final four legs of 2015-16 Sevens World Series season until the conclusion of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Affectionately known as the ‘Honey Badger’, Cummins has won 15 caps for the Wallabies and represented the national Sevens side on eight occasions in the World Series. Alongside current Sevens stalwarts Ed Jenkins and James Stannard, as well as Wallabies Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps, he was also part of the Australian Sevens team to earn a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Nick Cummins said: “I’m keen as mustard to get this opportunity to play Sevens again. She’s a big year, we all know why.
“To make the team, you’ve got to get on the burst and perform – and that’s what I intend on doing.”
New Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said: “Conversations between Nick and his management and the ARU have been ongoing for a while now but we’re delighted to be able to bring him into the squad. He’ll bring a wealth of knowledge into the squad and his previous experience in Sevens will stand him in good stead.
“The fact he has signed for a large chunk of the Sevens World Series once he has fulfilled his obligations in Japan underlines his commitment to helping the team succeed in what is a huge year for Sevens in 2016.”
Rugby returns to the Olympic program after a 92-year absence in Rio later this year, while Rugby Sevens will debut at the Games.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Back to back seasons.
josh
Roar Rookie
Not every 7s player needs to be Carlin Isles fast.
Markus
Guest
Terrible haircuts?
Bakkies
Guest
To be fair the Force were playing turgid Rugby, not winning matches and even the fans stopped turning up to see him play.
Bakkies
Guest
Probably injuries early on his career slowed him down. I remember he had quiet a few.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Rocky Elsom at the Brumbies looked the same. O'Connor at the Reds this year looked the same too. What did they all have in common?
puff
Guest
To be honest I’m a little mystified why the Badger would consider stepping back in time. Although he was a consistent performer in 7’s, the game is now played in a much faster physical format. To retain the knowledge is one thing. But, execute all the other attributes under pressure will require an increased fitness level and a review of all his other prerequisites; this is way outside his normal Japan comfort Zone. The last time I watched the HB play, he looked like a spent force, excuse the pun. Very static and almost uninterested, with that said, he sounds delighted about his inclusion. Only after the Rio final, will a fair appraisal be available.
cuw
Guest
yeah right - 10 years ago !!!!!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Was top try scorer for Aus 7s when he played in 2007.
Markus
Guest
I think his pace is decent without being a speed merchant, it's the other areas of his game that have me questioning the selection. He isn't known for his ball skills and his handling has been patchy at times through his career. Plus his running game is more based around strength and positioning than it is footwork. Unless he's filling a bit more of a forward role as some speculated, I'm not sure how suited he is to the shorter version of the game.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
cuw whilst it's good to see balanced comments, it should not be ignored that Cummins has previously played for the Aus 7s team prior to his Super Rugby career. Clearly he had adequate pace then at least.
mania
Guest
I wouldn't write off aus Allanthus. honey badger isn't the atypical 7's body but he works hard and he's got imo the mentality to never say die. he's gotta up his fitness big time, increase his speed as much as poss and then he might have a chance. he plays like a 7's forward though but has the body of a back
Rugger
Guest
Play him in the forwards and Badger will do well.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Agree mania, cuw, if HB makes the Olympic team I'll be astonished. And if he does it will demonstrate how far off the pace Australia is at Sevens. Totally the wrong type of player.
Bakkies
Guest
Badge could stop ISIS with one arm behind his back.
mania
Guest
no question about his work ethic, but speed and fitness? gotta ask
Stevjam
Guest
Big year for the badge. Gonna be busier than a one armed brick layer in Baghdad
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
What's he want? A Gold Badge(r)?
Bakkies
Guest
He should open the Olympics
cuw
Guest
then hire him as a commentator (guest) and pair him with Chris gayle :P