Dates confirmed for HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2017-18 (men's tournament)
For some unknown reason, it always takes World Rugby ages to confirm the dates for the women's tournament, so these dates (and locations) haven't been announced yet.
@Stargazer said in 2017-18 World Sevens Series:
I thought that was always part of the re-jigged plan with the new coach etc.
TBH we were a bit arrogant not to do this years ago, thinking our player's abilities would overcome organised teams pumping money and resources into training together. The ABs may be our first team but for some other countries their sevens team is more organised than their XVs.
The Olympics changed a lot and we didn't change quick enough.
@Crucial said in 2017-18 World Sevens Series:
@Stargazer said in 2017-18 World Sevens Series:
I thought that was always part of the re-jigged plan with the new coach etc.
TBH we were a bit arrogant not to do this years ago, thinking our player's abilities would overcome organised teams pumping money and resources into training together. The ABs may be our first team but for some other countries their sevens team is more organised than their XVs.
The Olympics changed a lot and we didn't change quick enough.
No, not a plan. It was the recommendation from Tietjens when he left (and a complaint that it hadn't happened already) and a wish from the new coach, but I don't think it had been decided yet.
Singapore and Hong Kong are both stand alone tournaments this time and not tacked together with each other in consecutive weekends like all the other ones.
8 days later
First new signing for the men's sevens squad:
25 days later
New players contracted and the official start of a centralised Sevens programme! Well, for the men anyway. It doesn't say anything about the women's programme.
With more than half of the 2017/18 squad finalised, Laidlaw has today confirmed Bailey Simonsson (Bay of Plenty) and Jona Nareki (Otago) among the new talent contracted for the 2017/2018 international season.
Kurt Baker makes a return to the group, bringing back some valuable experience following sevens legend DJ Forbes’ retirement this year.
“There is some good young talent in Bailey Simonsson and Jona Nareki; and we’re hoping to lock in a few more as well. We need to be part of the New Zealand Rugby player development process and we are working hard with the Super Rugby Clubs and Provincial Unions to strengthen those pathways,” said Laidlaw.
This week marks the official start of a newly centralised Sevens programme, based in Tauranga. All contracted All Blacks Sevens players are now required to live near their base in the Bay of Plenty.
Laidlaw said a permanent, centralised base for the squad will provide countless benefits as they embark on their new era.
“Previously players would spend anywhere between 150-170 nights a year away from home. Centralisation will reduce this by up to 50 nights a year, delivering more time together but less time away from the important support networks of family and loved ones.”
Pools for the men's Dubai Sevens (Fri 1- Sat 2 December 2017):
By the way, "INV" means invitational team and that is in this case Uganda.
Sherwin Stowers announces retirement from rugby
Sevens stalwart Sherwin Stowers has today announced his retirement from professional rugby after a prominent career for the All Blacks Sevens and Counties Manukau Steelers.
Stowers debuted for New Zealand as an 18-year-old in Dubai in 2004. Since then he has made 38 tournament appearances and scored 126 tries, the fourth-most by any New Zealand player. Stowers has four World Series victories, Commonwealth Games gold and silver medals and a World Rugby Sevens World Cup title to his name.
Stowers said after achieving so much in his rugby career, the time was right to turn his focus to home.
"I decided that after nine seasons with the All Blacks Sevens team it’s time to retire and focus on my family, and being a dad.
"With two young kids at home I wasn’t able to give as much to them as I would have liked between training, recovery, camps and travel. I would be doing the team an injustice if I kept playing without giving 110 per cent which I have always strived to do."
Stowers paid tribute to his family in remembering an exciting career in the black jersey.
Outside of Sevens, Stowers played 78 matches for the Counties Manukau Steelers and he has 18 caps for the Blues Super Rugby club.
@stargazer bugger, big loss. He's been excellent the last 2-3 years.
Will never forget Sherwin Stowers burning Lachie Turner on the outside in the 2010 Comm Games just weeks after Turner had won a promo 100m race for 'Australia's fastest athlete'
8 days later
We all knew NZR was only paying lip service to Tietjens and the sevens programme. The failure at Rio is as much on Tew as the team and coaches.
In hindsight, yes, but my problem was the lack of honesty and transparency from Tew, Hansen and Foster about player availability. Tietjens' comments about the meeting confirms this.