Sorensen-McGee set for SVNS Series debut as NZ Sevens reveal squads

Women’s Rugby World Cup standout Braxton Sorensen-McGee is set to debut on the HSBC SVNS Series at the season opener in Dubai, with New Zealand Sevens unveiling the travelling squads for the first two stops of the campaign.

Sorensen-McGee starred for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki earlier this year, and the then 18-year-old was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the Black Ferns. The outside back made an immediate impact in the Test arena, scoring two tries on debut against the Wallaroos.

The teenager was selected in New Zealand’s squad for the World Cup in England, scoring 11 tries and 69 points in just six appearances at the showpiece event. After the World Cup Final, Sorensen-McGee was crowned World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Sorensen-McGee represented New Zealand in international warm-up matches at Ignite7 a few weeks ago, and is now set to play on the sport’s premier circuit for the first time. Coach Cory Sweeey has named Blues player Danii Mafoe as another debutant in the group.

Risi Pouri-Lane will lead the Black Ferns Sevens, while reigning SVNS Series Women’s Player of the Year Jorja Miller will debut as vice-captain.

Stacey Waaka, Mahina Paul, Theresa Setefano, Maia Davis, Alena Saili, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Jaymie Kolose, Kelsey Teneti and Katelyn Vahaakolo have also been selected. Olie Watherston is the team’s travelling reserve, while Manaia Nuku and Le-Oxeayn Maiu’u are unavailable.

The Black Ferns will take on the United States of America, France and Fiji in Pool A at the Dubai Sevens on November 29-30. This squad will also compete at SVNS Cape Town in early December, an event the New Zealanders won last season.

All Blacks Sevens coach Tomasi Cama has selected three potential debutants in that squad, with Bay of Plenty flyer Kele Lasaqa, Canterbury playmaker Riley Williams, and Southland winger Fletcher Morgan all standing out at Ignite7 in Tauranga.

Tone Ng Shiu will captain the team, in what will be his 50^th international sevens tournament. Sione Langi Joseph Molia and Dylan Collier will serve as vice-captains, as the New Zealanders look to win the team’s first Dubai title since 2018.

Brady Rush, Akuila Rokolisoa, Jayden Keelan, Robert Rush, Regan Ware, Frank Vaenuku and Sofai Notoa-Tipo have been named. Michael Manson, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Roderick Solo and Joey Taumateine are unavailable due to injury.

The All Blacks Sevens will take on traditional rivals Australia, emerging powerhouse Spain, and giant-slayers Great Britain in pool play. Argentina, South Africa, France and Fiji make up the ‘pool of champions’ in the other group.