COMMENT: It's a disgrace rugby is heading to Qatar - but that's not because of sportswashing
Column: So, elite test rugby might be going to Qatar. Interesting. I can’t say I’m too enthused. Nothing to do with sportswashing, but we’ll…
Sonny Bill Williams and sister Niall have completed a family double by being named in the respective New Zealand rugby sevens teams for the Rio Olympics.
Sonny Bill Williams, 30, has played 33 Tests and been part of two World Cup-winning campaigns with the All Blacks.
The dual league and rugby international sat out Super Rugby this year to concentrate on trying to make the Rio Games in August.
Niall Williams, a 28-year-old mother of two, has a background in touch and switched to sevens last year.
But while Sonny Bill Williams is in the 12-man men’s squad, there is no place for another All Black who focused on sevens in 2016, loose forward Liam Messam.
The line-up includes veteran DJ Forbes, who last year gave up the captaincy in a bid to get himself in the best shape to get selected for Rio, where sevens will make its debut at the Olympics.
It also features the return of Scott Curry, who will skipper the side for the first time since injuring his shoulder at the Dubai round of the world series in December.
Men’s sevens team: Scott Curry (captain), Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane, Gillies Kaka, Tim Mikkelson, Augustine Pulu, Teddy Stanaway, Regan Ware, Joe Webber, Sonny Bill Williams. Travelling reserves – Sione Molia, Lewis Ormond.
Women’s sevens team: Shakira Baker, Kelly Brazier, Gayle Broughton, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Sarah Goss (captain), Kayla McAlister, Huriana Manuel, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Terina Te Tamaki, Ruby Tui, Niall Williams, Portia Woodman. Travelling reserves – Michaela Blyde, Shiray Tane.
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Column: So, elite test rugby might be going to Qatar. Interesting. I can’t say I’m too enthused. Nothing to do with sportswashing, but we’ll…
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