2019-2020 World Sevens Series
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The 2019-2020 schedule has been announced:
5-6 October, 2019: Infinity Park, Colorado, USA – women’s standalone event
5-7 December, 2019: The Sevens, Dubai, UAE – combined men’s and women’s event
13-15 December, 2019: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa – combined men’s and women’s event
25-26 January, 2020: FMG Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand – combined men’s and women’s event
1-2 February, 2020: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, Australia – combined men’s and women’s event
29 February – 1 March, 2020: Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles, USA – men’s standalone event
7-8 March, 2020: BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Canada – men’s standalone event
3-5 April, 2020: Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong – combined men’s and women’s event
11-12 April, 2020: National Stadium, Singapore – men’s standalone event
2-3 May, 2020: Westhills Stadium, Langford, Canada – women’s standalone event
23-24 May, 2020: Twickenham Stadium, London, England – men’s standalone event
30-31 May, 2020: Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris, France – combined men’s and women’s event
27 July-1 August, 2020: Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Tokyo, Japan
*All fixture details correct at time of publication/subject to change
* Women’s competition increases from 6 to eight rounds * Six tournaments will be combined men’s and women’s events * Los Angeles announced as the location for USA men’s tournament * Record-breaking audience engagement figures with over 198 million video views in 2019 * World Series 2020 serves as crucial build-up for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games * The women’s series begins in Glendale, Colorado, USA on 5-6 October, 2019
Schedule announced for HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020
World Rugby has confirmed the schedule for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 in what will be the biggest season to date.
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World Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Year 2019 nominees are all Kiwis.
and the men are not
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Oktoberfest Sevens
September 21-22 at Olympic Stadium, MunichI only associate the Oktoberfest in Germany with beer, but there's also a sevens tournament that is used as a preseason tournament before the 2019-2020 World Series kick off.
This is the All Blacks 7s squad for the Oktoberfest Sevens (*denotes debut);
1 Trael Joass
2 Tim Mikkelson
3 Tone Ng Shiu
4 Amanaki Nicole
5 Luke Masirewa
6 Dan Fransen *
7 Sam Dickson
8 Andrew Knewstubb
9 Regan Ware
10 Ngarohi McGarvey-Black
11 Rewita Biddle *
12 Sione MoliaWith regular squad members Joe Ravouvou, Joe Webber and Vilimoni Koroi on Mitre 10 Cup duties, 22-year old Dan Fransen (Canterbury) and 20-year-old Rewita Biddle (Bay of Plenty) will get their first opportunity in a black jersey. Fransen was a member of the All Blacks Sevens Development team earlier this year, while Biddle was a stand-out in the inaugural Red Bull Ignite7 programme. “We have had a number of new faces with us during pre-season and they have been working really hard,” said Cama. “Nothing beats game time though, so it’s a great opportunity for these guys to experience international sevens and at the same time it is great for us to develop depth in our programme.”The Oktoberfest Sevens features seven of the top eight ranked teams from the World Series; the All Blacks Sevens are grouped with England, South Africa and Australia for pool play.By the way, the other participating countries are: Germany, Fiji, France and the USA.
All Blacks Sevens kick off pre-season in Germany
The Oktoberfest Sevens awaits the All Blacks Sevens who departed for Germany to play their sole pre-season tournament ahead of the next World Series.
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FYI the Oktoberfest Sevens day 2 is on Sky 51 tonight at 8:50pm, in case you need a break from the World Cup.
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Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney have been appointed as co-coaches of the Black Ferns 7s, while Stu Ross stays on as assistant coach.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today confirmed that Allan Bunting, who returns to the squad after a period of leave this year, links up with caretaker Coach Cory Sweeney, as the pair will co-coach the Black Ferns Sevens through to the Olympics. The new season gets under way in next weekend with the opening round of the HSBC World Series in Glendale, USA. The World Rugby World Sevens Series has grown from six to eight tournaments for the 2019/2020 season, meaning a busy build-up for the Black Ferns Sevens heading into the Tokyo Olympics in July.“It’s great to have Allan back in the programme and we believe this structure will play to strengths of the coaching team. With such a big season ahead, and we know Allan, Cory and Stu (Ross), along with the wider management team will continue to develop and lead this group to achieve their goals.” Philp said the new structure will bring out the best in the coaching team, with the ability to maximise their coaching knowledge, skills and leadership in what will be a busy season. Sweeney was previously assistant coach and has been part of the coaching group for three seasons. Stu Ross rounds out the coaching team, continuing as assistant coach.The Black Ferns Sevens have 23 fully contracted players based in Tauranga that train full time. The management team consists of the three coaches along with full time physio, strength and conditioning coach, manager and support staff that oversee nutrition, sports psychology and professional development.
Black Ferns Sevens prepared for exciting season
The Black Ferns Sevens will kick off their international season next weekend with a new coaching set-up to steer the World Champions through a huge year ahead that includes the biggest ever World Series and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
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Black Ferns 7s squad travelling to the USA for the Glendale Sevens (5 - 6 October 2019);
Shakira Baker - Waikato
Gayle Broughton - Taranaki
Kelly Brazier - Bay of Plenty
Michaela Blyde - Bay of Plenty
Theresa Fitzpatrick - Auckland
Sarah Hirini - captain - Manawatu
Risaleaana Pouri-Lane - Tasman
Montessa Tairakena - Waikato
Terina Te Tamaki - Waikato
Ruby Tui - Bay of Plenty
Stacey Waaka - Waikato
Niall Williams - Auckland
Tenika Willison - WaikatoThe Black Ferns Sevens have named one debutant in their squad to travel to the Glendale Sevens in Colorado, USA this weekend. 19-year-old Montessa Tairakena is in line to make her Black Ferns Sevens debut, a year on from winning a sevens gold at the Youth Olympic Games.The Black Ferns Sevens coaches start the season with an almost fully fit squad of players to pick from, with regular starters Tyla Nathan-Wong (unavailable for selection) and Portia Woodman (injured) among a small number of players out of contention for this first tournament. Co-coach Cory Sweeney said Tairakena’s selection speaks to her improvement since joining the squad after graduating from Hamilton Girls High School last year.Stacey Waaka returns from a hand injury that sidelined her for the last two tournaments of the 2018/19 season, as does Gayle Broughton who missed the last three events last season.Pool play will see the Black Ferns Sevens up against Japan, Russia and England.
One debutant in Black Ferns Sevens for opening event
The Black Ferns Sevens have named one debutant in their squad to travel to the Glendale Sevens in Colorado, USA this weekend.
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Black Ferns 7s squad for the Glendale Sevens:
1 Ruby Tui
2 Shakira Baker
3 Terina Te Tamaki
4 Niall Williams
5 Sarah Hirini – captain
6 Michaela Blyde
7 Stacey Waaka
8 Kelly Brazier
9 Gayle Broughton
10 Theresa Fitzpatrick
11 Risi Pouri-Lane
12 Montessa Tairakena
*Tenika Willison is the travelling reserve.
Co—Coach Cory Sweeney said the selection of Montessa Tairakena was exciting for the Black Ferns Sevens squad. “Montessa has been dominant at age group and national level for some time, she is one of the quickest players in New Zealand. She came into our environment at the beginning of the year and in this pre-season has grown in confidence. “She has been learning from one of the best in the world in Michaela Blyde and has shown us what we needed to see to select her, it's really exciting times for her and the team,” said Sweeney. The Black Ferns Sevens also have the benefit of Stacey Waaka and Gayle Broughton back in their game day 12..
Pool games
Sunday, 6 October 2019
6.43am: v Japan
9.27am: v Russia
12.33pm: v EnglandAll matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1
Montessa Tairakena to debut for Black Ferns Sevens
Hamilton teenager Montessa Tairakena will make her Black Ferns Sevens debut this weekend at the HSBC USA Women’s Sevens in Glendale, Colorado.
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Due to the RWC, this is going a bit unnoticed but after the first pool games, the BF7s also won their last pool game against
England: 36 - 0.This morning they played Ireland in the Cup QF and won 36 - 10.
The BF7s play the USA in the Cup SF at 9.23am.
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@Stargazer - I don't think other sports particularly need to lose players for the US to be strong in 7s. Raw demographics is enough when you are 70 times the size of NZ and you only need a small fraction of that to have even tried the game.
Good luck to them.
Something else with this Glendale tournament is they seem to have dropped some of the women's consolation finals this year. No more 7th and 11th playoffs it seems.
Perhaps this is to better allow the combined women's/men's tournaments to be crammed into a 2-day schedule. Dunno.
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@Kiap said in 2019-2020 World Sevens Series:
@Stargazer - I don't think other sports particularly need to lose players for the US to be strong in 7s. Raw demographics is enough when you are 70 times the size of NZ and you only need a small fraction of that to have even tried the game.
Good luck to them.
Something else with this Glendale tournament is they seem to have dropped some of the women's consolation finals this year. No more 7th and 11th playoffs it seems.
Perhaps this is to better allow the combined women's/men's tournaments to be crammed into a 2-day schedule. Dunno.
Yes, I noticed this, too. I wonder how they determined 7th and 11th place as they have ranked these teams in the standings (Russia 7th, Ireland 8th; and Fiji 11th, Brazil 12th) and awarded Series point accordingly. Based on standings after the pool games? In the case of Fiji and Brazil, the points differential as the tie breaker?
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@Stargazer said in 2019-2020 World Sevens Series:
Yes, I noticed this, too. I wonder how they determined 7th and 11th place as they have ranked these teams in the standings (Russia 7th, Ireland 8th; and Fiji 11th, Brazil 12th) and awarded Series point accordingly. Based on standings after the pool games? In the case of Fiji and Brazil, the points differential as the tie breaker?
Good Q. IMO it's inequitable if they use points differential from the pools given they haven't played the same oppo. Would be better dealt with like the men's last year - i.e. a tie for 7th and each get the same points, etc.
It's a bit of a stuff up otherwise.
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Promising New Zealand school-boy star, 17-year-old Jacob Kneepkens has signed with the All Blacks Sevens for two years.
Promising New Zealand school-boy star, 17-year-old Jacob Kneepkens has signed with the All Blacks Sevens for two years. The Francis Douglas High School 1st XV co-captain will move to Tauranga to join the sevens programme at the end of the school year. In 2018 Kneepkens was a member of the New Zealand Schools squad, made the tournament team at the Condor Sevens and was MVP at the inaugural Red Bull Ignite7 tournament. The accolades continued this year as he was named in the All Blacks Sevens Development team before returning to play in the New Zealand Schools team for a second campaign.
Schoolboy star signs with All Blacks Sevens
Promising New Zealand school-boy star, 17-year-old Jacob Kneepkens has signed with the All Blacks Sevens for two years.
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All Blacks 7s signings:
Bay of Plenty rugby product, and Red Bull Ignite7 alumni, William Warbrick joins the All Blacks Sevens for the first time, signing a two-year contract, after spending the pre-season training with the squad. Senior player Dylan Collier, along with emerging stars Andrew Knewstubb and Tone Ng Shiu, have all re-committed to the side through to 2021.This news is on the back of signing schoolboy star Jacob Kneepkens and the confirmation that Investec Super Rugby players Caleb Clarke (Blues), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Chiefs), Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes) and Scott Gregory (Highlanders) will join the campaign in the lead up to the Olympics.
All Blacks Sevens signings bolster squad for new season
Three weeks out from the start of the All Blacks Sevens’ 2019/2020 season, Coach Clark Laidlaw is putting the finishing touches on a 24-strong squad.
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Black Fern Selica Winiata to referee on World Rugby Sevens Series
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has congratulated Black Fern Selica Winiata’s referee selection for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 season. After a promising international debut at the Oceania Sevens tournament in Fiji last week, Winiata has been appointed for two rounds of the Sevens Series.The appointment to the HSBC World Series is a unique achievement which sees Winiata refereeing and playing rugby at the highest level. “Playing fifteens and refereeing on the series was a big goal of mine and it’s great to have achieved that”, said Winiata. “Now the hard work starts and I’m really looking forward to the tournaments, putting good performances together and continuing to develop. It’s been a great challenge so far.” The former Black Ferns Sevens player had originally planned on switching her beloved Manawatu playing shirt for a referee jersey at this year’s TECT National Sevens tournament in Tauranga. However, the appointment to the HSBC World Series means Winiata will not feature at a New Zealand National Sevens tournament for the first time in over a decade. Winiata’s selection takes the total number of New Zealand referees involved in the HSBC Sevens Series to five with James Doleman, Richard Kelly, Lauren Jenner and Emily Hsieh all currently involved in the 2020 season. The Palmerston North police officer is set to officiate at the Red Bull Ignite 7 tournament this Saturday 23 November at Trust Arena in Auckland.
Black Fern Selica Winiata to referee on World Rugby Sevens Series
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has congratulated Black Fern Selica Winiata’s referee selection for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 season.
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All Blacks 7s squad for the Dubai Sevens and Cape Town Sevens
Kurt Baker (Manawatu)
Dylan Collier (Waikato)
Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty)
Sam Dickson (Canterbury)
Andrew Knewstubb (Horowhenua Kapiti)
Ngarohi McGarvey-Black (Bay of Plenty)
Tim Mikkelson (Waikato)
Sione Molia (Counties Manukau)
Tone Ng Shiu (Tasman)
Salesi Rayasi (Auckland)
Akuila Rokolisoa (Counties Manukau)
William Warbrick (Bay of Plenty)
Regan Ware (Taranaki)
Joe Webber (Bay of Plenty)Players not considered for selection due to injury/illness: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Joe Ravouvou and Etene Nanai-Seturo.
Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson will again join as co-captains for the season, while new signing William Warbrick is in line for his international debut as the team looks to defend their Dubai crown.The only players not considered for selection had returned from 15s duties with injury or illness, while Vilimoni Koroi and Caleb Clarke will remain in New Zealand reintegrating to sevens training. “The players that have joined us from 15s have all fitted in seamlessly and it feels like they’ve never been away. All of them could have been selected but leaving them behind allows them a proper pre-season training block and we expect that they will be fit and raring to go for our next tournaments.”.
Experienced All Blacks Sevens team named for season opener
All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has named 14 players to travel for the opening two tournaments of the HSBC World Rugby Men’s Sevens Series in Dubai and Cape Town.
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Black Ferns 7s squad for the Dubai Sevens and Cape Town Sevens
Shakira Baker (Waikato)
Gayle Broughton (Taranaki)
Kelly Brazier (Bay of Plenty)
Theresa Fitzpatrick (Auckland)
Huia Harding (Waikato)
Shiray Kaka (Waikato)
Tyla Nathan-Wong (Auckland)
Risi Pouri-Lane (Tasman)
Alena Saili (Southland)
Montessa Tairakena (Waikato)
Ruby Tui (Bay of Plenty)
Stacey Waaka (Waikato)
Niall Williams (Auckland)
Tenika Willison (Waikato)With experienced speedsters Portia Woodman and Michaela Blyde already out for the Dubai and Cape Town legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, Hirini becomes the third injury blow for the squad early in the Series. Co-Coach Cory Sweeney said Hirini is undoubtedly a loss to the team but the strong group of leaders within the selected squad who can step up in her absence. “Sarah would have potentially been ready for Cape Town but there is no point risking re-injury when we have our biggest season ever ahead of us; this way she can rehab and be in the best possible shape going into the new year.” Shiray Kaka is named for her first tournament since 2018 as an experienced player on the wing. “Shiray has not only experience on the World Series but is a proven performer at that level. She’s had some injury setbacks but she has earnt her spot in this group. There is also another opportunity for Montessa after her debut in Colorado. We saw glimpses of her potential and this will be another step in her development. The Black Ferns Sevens will play in their first back-to-back tournaments on the World Series, the only previous time they have played two full events in a row was the Commonwealth Games followed by the Kitakyushu Sevens in 2018.2019/2020 Black Ferns schedule
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 5-6 October, Glendale - THIRD PLACE
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 5-7 December, Dubai
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 13-15 December, Cape Town.
Tyla Nathan-Wong to lead Black Ferns Sevens in closing tournaments of 2019
Tyla Nathan-Wong will take on the captain’s duties for the Black Ferns Sevens in their closing two tournaments of 2019 after Sarah Hirini was ruled out with a leg injury.
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This is pretty cool.
World Series selection quicker than Winiata expected
When Selica Winiata first discussed a potential career in officiating with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) National Referee Manager Bryce Lawrence earlier this year, it was with an eye on the future. The 33-year-old had contacted Lawrence as she sought a way to make the transition to a non-playing role within rugby as smooth as possible once the time came to retire. The Rugby World Cup 2017 winner began by refereeing secondary school tournaments while gleaning tips and advice from both Lawrence and his NZR colleague Matt Peters. Winiata admits she had to retrain her brain in those early matches, primarily so she didn’t tackle an unsuspecting player or take a try-scoring pass, but she clearly demonstrated she was up to the task. In November, the Black Fern travelled to Fiji to officiate at the Oceania Rugby Women’s Sevens Championship and impressed so much that she was subsequently appointed as a match official for the Dubai and Cape Town rounds of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020.“You look at training as a player, you’ve got to get into the gym, you’ve got to go out and do conditioning and you’ve still got to analyse games to make yourself better,” she said. “And it’s really similar as a ref. You’ve still got to manage your conditioning, get into the gym and analyse yourself as a ref. So, I don’t really see it being too different.” Similarly, Winiata believes her day job, as a police officer, provides advantages for her prospective career with the whistle. “Being a police officer you deal with a lot of different situations and at times you need to make a decision really quickly. You don’t have time to think about it too much,” she said. “That’s what it’s like out on the rugby field, especially in the game of sevens. It’s a very quick game and it’s very critical that as a ref you’re making the right decision but at the right time. “So, I think a lot of it does carry over from being a police officer. As a police officer you need good clear communication, and the same as a ref.Winiata has enjoyed a rapid rise from refereeing on school fields to officiating at 7he Sevens Stadium in Dubai, but the full-back is not done with playing just yet. New Zealand will host Rugby World Cup 2021 and Winiata is determined to be part of the Black Ferns squad that defends the title they won in Ireland two years ago. “My ultimate goal is to be able to make the World Cup in two years’ time,” she said. -
Black Ferns 7s team for the Dubai Sevens:
1 Ruby Tui
2 Shakira Baker
3 Stacey Waaka
4 Niall Williams
5 Huia Harding
6 Tenika Willison
7 Tyla Nathan-Wong – captain
8 Kelly Brazier
9 Gayle Broughton
10 Theresa Fitzpatrick
11 Shiray Kaka
12 Alena Saili
13 Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (travelling reserve).
Injuries to regular speedsters Portia Woodman and Michaela Blyde has seen Shiray Kaka brought into the team, her last tournament was in Paris in 2018. Kaka originally debuted in the black jersey in 2013 but an unfortunate run of injuries has disrupted her time on the field.Huia Harding will suit up for her second outing for the Black Ferns Sevens.* This is the ninth time the Women’s Sevens Series will play at the HSBC Dubai Sevens, the Black Ferns Sevens have won on four occasions (2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018). * The Black Ferns Sevens lead the Series for most points (200) and tries (32) scored. * The Black Ferns Sevens sit third on the World Series standings after one event on 16 points, behind USA (20) and Australia (18). - Tyla Nathan-Wong will captain the team in the absence of the injured Sarah Hirini..
Pool games (times are NZT)
Friday 6 December
1.42am: v Japan
7.50pm: v EnglandSaturday 7 December
1.02am: v France
LIVE on Sky Sport 1
Black Ferns Sevens out to defend Dubai crown
Black Ferns Sevens coaches Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney have named the 12 players tasked with defending the HSBC Dubai Sevens crown, in their second tournament of the season this weekend.
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All Blacks 7s team for the Dubai Sevens:
1 Scott Curry – co-captain
2 Tim Mikkelson – co-capain
3 Tone Ng Shiu
4 Salesi Rayasi
5 Dylan Collier
6 Ngarohi McGarvey-Black
7 Sam Dickson
8 Andrew Knewstubb
9 Regan Ware
10 Kurt Baker
11 Joe Webber
12 Sione Molia
13 Akuila Rokolisoa (travelling reserve).
Salesi Rayasi returns to the All Blacks Sevens jersey after four tournaments last year, including the Rugby World Cup Sevens victory in San Francisco. He has since made his debut for the Hurricanes in Investec Super Rugby and has been nominated for the Duane Monkley Medal for his efforts for Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup.• The All Blacks Sevens have won the Dubai Sevens on six occasions (1999, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2018). • This will be the 40th tournament for Kurt Baker, he debuted in Dubai in 2008. • Andrew Knewstubb finished the 2018/19 season as top point scorer on the World Series..
Pool games (times are NZT)
Friday 6 December
2.28am: v Wales
8.36pm: v CanadaSaturday 7 December
2.28am: v Samoa LIVE on Sky Sport 1
All Blacks Sevens season to get underway in Dubai
All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has named a strong side for the team’s opening tournament of the HSBC Sevens World Series, as they attempt to go back-to-back as champions in Dubai.
