‘Great surprise’ for Aussie Sevens as USA U20 flyer joins team

USA under-20s fullback Dane Mitchell has emerged as a “great surprise” for the Australia Men’s Sevens side ahead of the upcoming HSBC SVNS Series, unveiled as one of two additions to the roster before the Olympic-qualifying campaign.

Mitchell scored a hat-trick against England at the World Rugby Junior World Championships in Georgia, making a handful of appearances for the USA at the tournament. The back later played for Australia at the inaugural Kick On 7s in Sydney and has been rewarded with a deal.

Liam Barry has brought Mitchell and ACT Brumbies Academy squad member Chayse Geros into the sevens group for the 2026/27 season, which gets underway later this month at the popular Emirates Dubai Sevens on November 28 to 29.

Mitchell grew up playing rugby in Rockdale, Sydney, and is currently a student at the University of Sydney. The fullback qualifies for dual representation, but takes a wealth of confidence out of a solid pre-season with the side.

19-year-old Geros will split his time between the sevens program and the Brumbies in 2028, but now joins the national team on a full-time basis. The teenager will return to the Brumbies full-time the following year in 2029.

Geros came through the Australia U18s pathway and went to the Global Youth Sevens, and made a few appearances for the Australia under-20s before suffering an injury.

“We’re really excited to welcome Chayse Geros to the program. Chayse has come through the World Schools Sevens pathway and Under 20s. It will be great to watch him play at this next level,” Australia Men’s Sevens coach Liam Barry said.

“Dane has been a great surprise for us, after playing well against Fiji last month in Kick On 7s we are excited to see him adapt to the format. Dane has speed, great ball skills and an aerobic engine which is a huge asset in our game.

“The squad has had a good few weeks in preparation and we are looking forward to our first tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town. The 26/27 season has the added factor of Olympic qualification, so we are aware of the importance of getting a good start.”