New Zealand Sevens Head Coach Tomasi Cama has announced the addition of three new players to the roster in preparation for the 2024-25 HSBC Sevens World Series. The newcomers are Oli Mathis from Waikato, Sofai Maka from North Harbour, and Joey Taumateine, who is promoted from the New Zealand Men’s Sevens Development team.
Cama expressed his enthusiasm about integrating young talent into the squad, stating, “As coaches, it excites us to bring young people in and help with their growth. They have to learn fast, but that is all part of the excitement.”
Dylan Collier has been appointed as the captain of the team, while veterans Joe Webber and Sione Molia, each boasting over 50 appearances in the national jersey, will provide leadership and experience. Cama emphasized a focus on the team’s foundational values, noting, “We’ve talked a lot about connecting to our DNA. 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 inclusion of young players signifies New Zealand’s commitment to fostering new talent and maintaining a competitive edge in international rugby. With a mix of experience and fresh energy, the team aims to continue excelling in the upcoming series.
This strategic move not only highlights the growth and development of the sport in New Zealand but also sets a promising stage for what fans can expect in the upcoming season.
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