Injuries force changes to both the men's and women's New Zealand Sevens teams on eve of Rugby World Cup
Injury forces change to New Zealand Sevens RWC squad
The New Zealand Sevens men’s team has been forced to make a late change to its Rugby World Cup squad in Dubai after Tu Umaga Marshall was ruled out of the tournament with a lower back strain.
His replacement, also from Wellington, is Julian Savea who has joined the squad in Dubai.
Savea is part of the New Zealand Sevens national squad and played the opening two tournaments of the 2008-2009 IRB World Sevens Series in Dubai and George.
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens said losing Umaga Marshall was a blow this close to the tournament, and adds to the miserable run of injuries which his squad has sustained in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament.
“I’m disappointed for Tu, who has worked hard to get ready for the World Cup. But like the earlier injuries, we have to move on and ensure we perform when the tournament starts on Thursday.”
The updated New Zealand Sevens RWC squad is: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Captain, Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Tim Nanai Williams (Counties Manukau), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau), Victor Vito (Wellington), Viliame Waqaseduadua (North Harbour).
The Rugby World Cup Sevens takes place at Dubai’s ‘The Sevens’ stadium from March 5-7.
Injury forces change to New Zealand Women’s Sevens RWC team
The New Zealand Women’s Sevens team has been forced to make a late change to its Rugby World Cup squad in Dubai after Exia Edwards was ruled out of the tournament.
Edwards, from Bay of Plenty, had been struck ill soon after arriving in Dubai and has been diagnosed with a suspected kidney infection. She is being treated in hospital in Dubai.
Her replacement, Auckland’s Angela McGregor, will join the squad in Dubai on Thursday. The inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens starts on Friday.
New Zealand Women’s Sevens coach Darryl Suasua said the main concern presently was for Edwards’ health and ensuring she gets the care she needs and can return to New Zealand as soon as possible.
“It’s naturally a huge disappointment for Exia after all the hard work she has put in to prepare for this tournament. But right now, the focus is on getting her back to health.”
McGregor had been part of the RWC Sevens training squad and will take Edwards’ place in the team.
“We will miss Exia’s experience but Angela has been with us right up until we named the squad so will fit in with the team well.”
The updated New Zealand Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens squad is: Julie Ferguson (Hawke’s Bay) Victoria Grant (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Otago), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Justine Lavea (Auckland), Angela McGregor (Auckland), Huriana Manuel (Auckland), Hannah Porter (Captain, Auckland), Teresa Te Tamaki (Auckland), Renee Wickliffe (Counties Manukau), Rachel Wikeepa (Waikato), Selica Winiata (Manawatu).
The 2009 Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens takes place in Dubai from 6-7 March.
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