Olympians Longbottom and Turner re-sign for another SVNS season

Olympians Maurice Longbottom and Josh Turner are closing in on significant milestones on the HSBC SVNS Series, re-signing with the Australia Men’s Sevens program ahead of an Olympic-qualifying season for LA 2028.

Rugby Australia has made another three major re-signing announcements, with Nudgee College product Will Cartwright inking a fresh deal as well. Cartwright made a strong start to the 2026 season, before a shoulder injury in Perth cut the rookie’s season short.

Longbottom has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the program, now set for his 10^th season on the world’s premier sevens circuit. The playmaker has worn the gold jersey in more than 250 matches, making him the second-most experienced player in the men’s squad.

31-year-old Longbottom is on the cusp of individual sevens history, with the La Perouse-born talent nearing 1000 SVNS Series points. Turner is chasing an individual milestone as well, now just four events away from the 50-cap marker.

Turner has agreed to a 12-month extension as well. The New Zealand-born flyer has touched down for 65 tries throughout his decorated sevens career, which began on the SVNS Series back in 2018 at the Dubai Sevens.

Cartwright is back for more with the Australia Men’s Sevens side after injury brought to an end to a promising debut season. The Queensland crossed for a double at his debut tournament in Dubai last December and is now chasing a maiden Olympic appearance in LA.

“It is pleasing to have experience back on board in Maurice and Josh, who have been with the Men’s program for almost a decade each,” Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, said.

“Will is on the comeback trail from injury and after making a good impression early in his journey we are looking forward to having him back on the field next season.

“The squad is building nicely ahead of qualifying for the LA Olympics next year.”

Rugby Australia has been making re-signing announcements recently, confirming late last month that James Turner had agreed to a new deal. Turner was crowned the team’s Player of the Year at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards.

The Olympian was called into the Wallabies squad of a Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park last year, but wasn’t selected in the matchday squad. Turner had only played in a few matches for the NSW Waratahs before pursuing the sevens path.

Turner was one of four re-signings announced by Rugby Australia on July 25, with Ben Dowling, James McGregor and Harry Wilson returning as well. Dowling and Turner have both committed to the Australia Men’s Sevens side through to LA 2028.

“The Australian Men’s squad was outstanding last season with plenty of talent emerging for coach Liam Barry,” Horne said.

“Ben Dowling and James Turner have grown into leaders within the team as they both look towards a second Olympics campaign each.

“James McGregor is developing nicely and will have more opportunities in the future while Harry Wilson is a big body who had a fine debut season.

“It’s important we keep a core group of players for next year while