Australian sprinter set for Sevens debut

Australian sprinter Trae Williams will earn his first Aussie 7s cap when he runs out in Dubai having been selected for the squad for the opening round of the HSBC Sevens World Series. 

Williams has earned his place after a solid pre-season where the former track and field sprinter continued his conversion to Sevens having come across to the squad earlier in the year. 

Nick Malouf takes over the captaincy role from the injured Lewis Holland with Jesse Parahi also returning to the main squad. 

Henry Hutchison has joined the starting squad following an injury to Rod Davies today that ruled him out for the opening round of the Series. Matt Hood becomes the travelling 13th player. 

The Aussie 7s will meet Scotland, Ireland and the USA in Pool B. 

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach, Tim Walsh said: “The entire squad is really looking forward to getting back on the park following our pre-season and Oceania Sevens campaign that we have worked hard on. 

“it’s really exciting to bring Trae into the playing fold. He has really thrown himself into the last six months and the outcomes have been great for himself and what he offers our whole squad. 

“Quick, powerful and really keen to learn, he has earned his place in this team and I we look forward to seeing him in action in Dubai.” 

Aussie Sevens side for Dubai:

1. Nick Malouf (c), University of Queensland, 35 caps 
2. Joe Pincus, Easts (Sydney), 6 caps 
3. Lachlan Anderson, Eastwood, 22 caps, 
4. Simon Kennewell, Randwick, 19 caps  
5. Jeral Skelton, Brothers, 14 caps  
6. Jesse Parahi, 44 caps 
7. Maurice Longbottom, Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, 15 caps  
8. Josh Turner*, Manly 
9. Josh Coward, Souths (Melbourne), 5 caps
10. Lachlan Miller, Randwick, 6 caps  
11. Trae Williams*
12. Henry Hutchison, Randwick, 26 caps
13th Matt Hood, Sydney University, 6 caps  
*Denotes uncapped