Major boost for Australia as Olympian returns for SVNS title push

Tokyo Olympian Demi Kennewell has been named in the Australia Sevens Women’s squad for the final two events of the HSBC SVNS World Championship, as the 30-event veteran looks to help the side fight for the top prize in Valladolid and Bordeaux.

Kennewell has had an unfortunate run of injuries, including a couple of long-term knee injuries. The inclusion of Kennewell comes a major boost to the team, who are second on the overall World Championship standings before SVNS Valladolid on May 29 to 31.

Australia finished second at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens last month, with regular season champions New Zealand carrying their form into the three-event series. With Kennewell coming into the squad, 20-year-old Amahli Hala drops out, now set for a stint in Japan.

Faith Natham, Teagan Levi, Madison Ashby, Maddison Levi and Sariah Paki are others in the squad with at least 30-event caps to their name. Tia Hinds isn’t far off with 28, while co-captain Isabella Nasser is set to play in her 25^th tournament.

Kaitlan Shave, Heidi Dennis, Kahli Henwood, Bienne Terita and Alysia Lefau-Fakosilea round out a fairly full-strength squad. Australia won one of the six regular season events, beating the New Zealanders in the SVNS Cape Town decider in December.

“We have had a consistent and ‘good’ season thus far but our expectations are to have a ‘great’ season and that means winning the World Championship,” Australia Sevens Women’s coach Tim Walsh said.

“We have many challenges ahead and are prepared for what awaits us in Europe.

“We are fielding our most experienced team this season headlined by captain Bella Nasser reaching the 25-cap mark.”

Jayden Blake has been selected in an otherwise unchanged Australia Sevens Men’s squad, which is headlined by the inclusions of 66-event captain Henry Hutchison and 52-event playmaker Maurice Longbottom.

Ben Dowling, James McGregor, Dietrich Roache, Josh turner, Ben Dalton, James Turner, Aden Ekanyake, Ethan McFarland, Harry Wilson, Archie Saunders and Wallace Charlie have also been named in the 14-man squad.

Australia will face Kenya, Great Britain and Hong Kong Sevens champions South Africa during the pool stage at SVNS Valladolid. At the Hong Kong Sevens, Australia did go through the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record.

“We’re looking forward to heading over to Spain this week and preparing for the final two events of the season,” Australia Sevens Men’s coach Liam Barry added.

“We had a great opening day in Hong Kong but we will need to be a lot more clinical when we get to the knockout games which the players are fully aware of.

“We have had an excellent preparation window and we are fortunate to be able to travel with 14 for the next two events which will ensure flexibility in the squad if required.”

Australia Sevens Women’s team for Valladolid and Bordeaux

3. Faith Nathan – 39 events
5. Teagan Levi – 31 events
6. Madison Ashby (c) – 32 events
8. Kaitlin Shave – 13 events
9. Tia Hinds – 28 events
10. Isabella Nasser (c) – 24 events
11. Demi Kennewell – 30 events
12. Maddison Levi – 34 events
13. Heidi Dennis – 13 events
15. Kahli Henwood – 12 events
22. Bienne Terita – 22 events
55. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea – 17 events
65. Sariah Paki – 42 events

Australia Sevens Men’s team for Valladolid and Bordeaux

1. Henry Hutchison (c) – 66 events
2. Ben Dowling – 27 events
3. James McGregor – 9 events
4. Dietrich Roache – 34 events
7. Josh Turner – 44 events
10. Ben Dalton – 16 events
11. Maurice Longbottom – 52 events
13. Jayden Blake – 12 events
14. James Turner – 25 events
23. Aden Ekanayake – 14 events
24. Ethan McFarland – 7 events
33. Harry Wilson – 7 events
49. Archie Saunders – 3 events
77. Wallace Charlie – 8 events