The All Blacks and Black Ferns Sevens teams to travel to San Francisco this weekend to defend their respective titles at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens have been named today.

Auckland is well represented in both squads with three each selected in both the men and women’s sides.

Salesi Rayasi, Joe Ravouvou and Akuila Rokolisoa will take part in the All Blacks Sevens campaign that will see them as one of 24 participating teams in this year’s edition featuring a new high stakes knock-out format that essentially equalises the playing field for all those taking part.

All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw said the unique nature of the knock out competition contributed to it being a difficult squad to select.

“Getting the balance of the squad right was the main thing. It’s a different tournament in that its four games instead of six and we can only take 12 players, so we were looking to have flexibility in the 12 in terms of the positions they cover.

“No team has ever won back to back World Cup titles since it’s started so we have certainly talked about that and about being the first team to change that. We know there are massive challenges to come, all the teams will be really well prepared,” said Laidlaw.

Theresa Fitzpatrick, Tyla Nathan-Wong and Niall Williams will don the Black Ferns Sevens jersey once again. All are veterans of the sevens circuit who will undoubtedly be called upon regularly throughout the tournament for both their experience and skill in this format of the game.

Black Ferns Sevens coach Allan Bunting said this was the most challenging squad he has ever had to name.

“It was definitely hard but that’s exactly where we want to be. In our trials there was so much motivation, excitement and skill set; we know we have selected the right team.

“We have had a good year, but this group is strict on themselves, we think we have room to improve and those last bits we need to get right are the toughest.

“Our players are incredibly motivated, playing in an amazing stadium and having the chance to leave mana there, to inspire other women, this is another great opportunity for our team,” said Bunting.

The All Blacks Sevens team is;

The Black Ferns Sevens team is;

Draw
Click HERE to see full fixtures

Broadcast
Rugby World Cup Sevens will be broadcast live on DUKE (Freeview channel 13 and channel 23 on Sky).