An exciting new era of women’s sevens is taking place with a large squad assembled in preparation for the upcoming season and an eye on the future.

Former Auckland Storm player Crystal Kaua heads the programme and has cast the net far and wide in bringing together the new squad.

An open trial was held last month, attracting new and familiar faces.

“We opened it up right from the start and there are several players new to the framework,” said Kaua.

“We’ve got players new to the sport and some that have come from overseas. There is also some really good young talent which is exciting for Auckland in the long term.”

Kaua said the goal for the upcoming season was to create depth in the programme and grow a wider base of sevens talent within Auckland.

Along with those new to the squad there are a raft of familiar faces, Olympic silver medalists Tyla Nathan-Wong, Niall Williams and Theresa Fitzpatrick, along with seven players from the Auckland Storm.

Kaua said the mix of players has led to a good culture within the group.

“We’ve had good numbers at every training; they’re an internally motivated group that train hard and know what is expected.

“The senior players help set a high level of expectation of how we do things, and what the jersey means. There appears to have been a shift in culture and attitude which will only produce benefits for Auckland in the long term,” said Kaua.

The team had a training camp two weekends ago before taking the field for their first hit-out last weekend against Northern Region opponents.

With eight debutants in the team, the Auckland women finished as runners-up on day one of the competition.

“It was our first tournament together and considering that, we did really well. It was all about growing our players and learning as a team. What was impressive was the attitude and willingness to learn and self-analyze, especially after losses.”

The team travel south to Counties Manukau tomorrow before competing at Northern Regionals in Cambridge on December 11th.

The Auckland Womens Sevens squad is:
Abigail Roache
Akari Kato
Annabel Sergeant
Charlotte Scanlan
Chinatsu Fukuda
Christyl Stowers
Delzea Salamo-Tu'ua 
Ketaki Khare
Kimi TunzNutty Nati
Lauren Sa'u
Kimiora Nati
Kiritapu Demant
Leanne Thompson
Leilani Fuikefu
Lose Mafi
Lydia Crossman
Niall Williams 
Shannon Leota
Summer Tillam
Tasha Davie
Tess Gard'ner 
Theresa Fitzpatrick
Tiana Ngawati
Tyla Nathan-Wong 
Zoe Canty

Management team: Crystal Kaua, Brent Kaua, Rachel Stratford, Georgia Milne, Jeremy Giles.