The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens side for Hamilton has been named with Simon Kennewell set to return to the team for the first time in over a year.
Kennewell, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the days leading into the 2018 HSBC Sydney 7s, has returned to the Aussie Men’s squad following a solid performance at the Coral Coast Sevens last weekend.
Australia Men’s Sevens Head Coach Tim Walsh has made four changes to the side that played in Cape Town at the end of last year, as his side looks to claim valuable series points in their battle for Olympic qualification.
Jeral Skelton, Josh Coward, Sam Myers and Kennewell come into the side with Australia desperate for a strong start in the first leg of 2019, where they will face Argentina, Wales and Fiji in Pool A.
The uncapped Coward comes back into the Australian set-up following impressive performances in Queensland Premier Rugby Sevens in 2018.
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach, Tim Walsh said: “We’re pleased with the way the team has prepared and bounced back following on from our last tournament in Cape Town and round three could not come quick enough for us.
“Bringing Simon (Kennewell) back into the squad is an exciting proposition and adds more competition for spots, following on from his hard work in rehab to return from injury.
“Argentina, Wales and Fiji offer three varying styles of Rugby, so from the get go there will be challenges for us in Hamilton.” The Hamilton Sevens will be LIVE on FOX Sports Australia from Saturday January 26.
1. Nick Malouf, University of Queensland, 30 caps
2. Lachlan Anderson, Eastwood, 18 caps
3. Henry Hutchison, Randwick, 18 caps
4. Simon Kennewell, Randwick, 11 caps
5. Jeral Skelton, Brothers, 6 caps
6. Sam Myers, Norths (Sydney), 38 caps
7. Josh Coward*, Sunnybank
8. Maurice Longbottom, Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, 8 caps
9. Lewis Holland (c), Queanbeyan, 40 caps
10. Ben O’Donnell, Randwick, 11 caps
11. John Porch, Norths (Sydney), 19 caps
12. Brandon Quinn, Gordon, 9 caps
13th Michael Wells, Norths (Sydney), 4 caps
*Uncapped
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Fixtures, Hamilton
Saturday 26 January
Australia v Argentina, 9.30am AEDT
Australia v Wales, 1.20pm AEDT
Australia v Fiji, 5.52pm AEDT
