Demi Hayes is making her highly anticipated return from injury as four newcomers are poised to debut for the Australian Sevens teams in the opening round of the 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS series in Dubai, starting November 30.
Coaches Tim Walsh and Liam Barry have announced rosters that feature fresh faces following the Paris Olympics. Walsh remains at the helm of the Women’s team, while Barry is stepping in as Head Coach for the Men’s squad after John Manenti’s departure.
Hayes, who spent nearly a year recovering from an ACL injury sustained in Cape Town last year, is ready to reclaim her spot in Walsh’s lineup. Alongside her, Kahli Henwood is set for her official Sevens series debut after being a late addition to the Olympic team, and Kiiahla Duff steps in for injured Bienne Terita, who will miss the initial tournament of the series.
The Women’s team enters the competition as the reigning world champions after triumphing in Madrid in June. This year’s squad boasts a solid blend of youth and experience, featuring veterans like Charlotte Caslick and the Levi sisters, Maddison and Teagan, both of whom had impressive previous seasons.
The injury recovery journey also continues for stars Madison Ashby, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Kaitlin Shave, and Sidney Taylor, who suffered knee injuries in 2024. Their setbacks opened opportunities for players such as Bridget Clark, Ruby Nicholas, and Heidi Dennis to gain international experience last season.
In a significant transition, the retirement of experienced players like Sharni Smale and Dominique Du Toit in August has paved the way for Henwood, Duff, and Amahli Hala to step into prominent roles within the squad.
Tim Walsh commented on the pre-season expectations, emphasizing the team’s eagerness to carry their championship momentum into the new season, stating, “We have enjoyed the mental and technical challenges and are determined to start the World Series where we finished last season as Champions.”
On the Men’s side, new coach Barry has welcomed Aden Ekanayake and Sid Harvey for their debuts in Dubai as the squad undergoes several changes post-Olympics. Barry will lead a younger roster following the departures of key players, including captain Nick Malouf and former Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper.
While the team retains experienced athletes like Henry Hutchison and Hayden Sargeant, new talent has also risen, with Conor Hickey, Ben Dalton, Henry Palmer, and Jayden Blake earning their first contracts within the Sevens program.
National Performance Manager Scott Bowen praised the players’ adaptive spirit during this transitional phase, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming season and the new talent emerging.
The Australian Women’s team will kick off the Dubai tournament against China, while the Men’s team faces South Africa in their initial pool match. Fans can watch every round of the HSBC SVNS series live and ad-free on Stan Sport.
In summary, the Australian Sevens teams are stepping into a new season filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth, featuring a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers. This refreshing approach may set the stage for an exciting and competitive series in Dubai.
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