New Zealand’s 7s Head Coach, Tomasi Cama, has welcomed the addition of three fresh talents as he prepares for the upcoming 2024-25 HSBC SVNS Series. Joining the squad are Oli Mathis from Waikato, Sofai Maka from North Harbour, and Joey Taumateine, who is moving up from the New Zealand Men’s Sevens Development team.
Cama expressed his enthusiasm for integrating these young players into the team, noting the importance of rapid learning as a critical aspect of their development. “As coaches, it excites us to bring young people in and help with their growth,” he stated. “They have to learn fast, but that is all part of the excitement.”
Dylan Collier will lead the team as captain, supported by Joe Webber and Sione Molia, both of whom are experienced veterans with over 50 games in the black jersey. The coaching staff emphasizes a connection to the team’s core values, focusing on hard work as a fundamental principle for success.
Cama highlighted the team’s aim to embody a style of rugby that is thrilling and unstructured, saying, “This team is about hard work, that will be the foundation that allows us to play a brand of rugby we all love; exciting, free playing, unstructured. That’s what we want to go out there to do.”
The introduction of new players alongside experienced leadership presents a promising outlook for the New Zealand 7s team as they gear up for a new series. This fresh mix of youth and experience may pave the way for a dynamic and engaging performance in the forthcoming season, inspiring both players and fans alike.
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